The Federal Government has reiterated its strong commitment to empowering the Nigerian girl-child through inclusive, safe, and quality education. This affirmation came from the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, during her welcome address at the Validation Workshop on the Japan-funded UNESCO-IICBA project, titled “Capacity Building of Teachers to Promote Continuous and Inclusive Access to Safe and Quality Education for Girls in West Africa.” The event was held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the Chelsea Hotel, Abuja.
Professor Suwaiba emphasized that the project supports the goals of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which prioritizes girl-child education, STEMM, TVET, teacher development, and quality assurance, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for Education. She encouraged stakeholders to carefully review the findings of the baseline assessment, identify gaps, and recommend strategic, cost-effective actions to build teacher capacity and promote female leadership in schools. She expressed gratitude to the Government and Embassy of Japan, UNESCO, and other development partners for including Nigeria in this regional initiative. Declaring the workshop open, the Minister thanked participants for their dedication to transforming the nation’s education system.
Also present was Dr. Tanko Sununu, Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, who described teaching as a noble and rewarding profession, drawing from his personal experience. He hailed teachers as foundational nation-builders and praised the partnership with UNESCO IICBA and the Government of Japan, noting that investments in girl-child education drive national development and social progress.
Dr. Uchenna C. Uba, Director of Colleges of Education and Chairperson of the Project Technical Working Group, described girl-child education as both a national priority and a fundamental human right. She explained that the workshop aimed to validate the situational analysis, incorporate stakeholder input, and refine inclusive, ICT-driven, and gender-responsive strategies to empower teachers. She acknowledged the support of the Government of Japan and encouraged all attendees to contribute meaningfully to the project’s success and sustainability.
Representing the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Kozaki Hitoshi, Deputy Head of Mission, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to inclusive, safe, and quality education. He highlighted the crucial role of teachers in expanding educational access for girls and referenced Japan’s broader developmental commitments, including a $5 billion pledge under the TICAD framework for peace and development in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea. Mr. Hitoshi applauded the efforts of UNESCO IICBA, the African Union, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education, urging continued investment in teachers and girl-child education.
Dr. Quentin Wodon, Director at UNESCO IICBA, stressed the importance of strengthening pre-service education for girls in Nigeria. While acknowledging the modest scale of the project, he noted its potential for wide-reaching impact. He praised collaboration with AU/CIEFFA and the KIX initiative, and announced an upcoming e-learning initiative supported by the Japanese government to promote female school leadership. Dr. Wodon expressed hope for Nigeria’s continued engagement in future opportunities and emphasized the need for structured planning and data-driven discussions during the workshop to benefit both teachers and students.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining partnerships that promote inclusive and equitable education, and looks forward to ongoing collaboration with valued partners such as the Government of Japan, UNESCO IICBA, AU/CIEFFA, and all stakeholders committed to securing a brighter future for Nigerian girls.
Elijah Adeyemi
