By Adeola Kunle
First Lady Flags Off Distribution of Sanitary Towels and Learning Materials to Girls in Public Basic Schools Nationwide
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to making the Nigerian child a priority in national development, with the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, emphasising that investing in girls’ education, welfare and empowerment is fundamental to building a prosperous nation.
Dr Alausa gave the assurance during the national flag-off of the distribution of two million packs of sanitary towels and back-to-school materials to girls in public basic education schools across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The event, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, was officially launched by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, under the initiative, “Flow with Confidence 2.0: Keeping Every Girl in School,” to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The Minister applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for prioritising children’s welfare and development through the Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed that ensuring access to quality education and providing children with the necessary support would help prepare them for future responsibilities as leaders, teachers, manufacturers and productive citizens.
According to Dr Alausa, educating and empowering girls represents a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. He noted that removing obstacles to school attendance and effective learning would enable girls to develop their talents, pursue their ambitions and make meaningful contributions to national growth.
Speaking at the occasion, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, explained that the “Flow with Confidence 2.0” programme was established to promote girls’ dignity, improve menstrual health and hygiene, and encourage continued participation in education through the provision of sanitary towels and essential learning materials.
She recalled that the Renewed Hope Initiative introduced the original “Flow with Confidence” programme on October 2, 2025, with the distribution of a one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads to 370,000 schoolgirls in rural communities.
Senator Tinubu stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in implementing the programme, urging relevant stakeholders to ensure that the materials reach the girls for whom they are intended.
She also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents and community stakeholders to work together to eliminate the stigma associated with menstruation. She emphasised the need to create a supportive environment where girls can remain in school, pursue their aspirations and realise their full potential.
The First Lady further disclosed that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) planned to provide scholarship assistance through its Learners Retention Support Programme, initially targeting 100,000 learners with grants of ₦20,000 each.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the intervention as a significant step towards protecting girls’ dignity and improving menstrual health and hygiene.
She maintained that menstruation should never prevent girls from attending school, participating in academic activities or achieving their educational goals. Professor Ahmad encouraged the girls to remain committed to their studies, work diligently and have confidence in their abilities, reminding them that their ambitions and future contributions are important to Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, reaffirmed the Commission’s determination to expand access to quality basic education and improve school retention through infrastructure development, the provision of learning materials, teacher capacity building, and improved access to water and sanitation facilities.
Dr Garba highlighted the Commission’s achievements, including the construction of more than 4,000 classrooms in less than three years and the distribution of back-to-school materials to over three million pupils in the preceding year.
She also cited collaboration with relevant agencies, which has helped facilitate the return of 700,000 out-of-school children to education, as part of ongoing efforts to improve enrolment and ensure that more Nigerian children have access to learning opportunities.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s position, Dr Alausa said the Ministry would continue to strengthen access to quality education and support programmes designed to eliminate barriers to learning.
He emphasised that sustained cooperation among government institutions, families, communities and development partners was necessary to improve educational outcomes and ensure that interventions produce lasting benefits.
The Minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Education would maintain its support for initiatives under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at expanding educational opportunities, improving learner retention and promoting inclusive education.
He stressed that every Nigerian child, particularly girls confronted by barriers to education, deserves the opportunity to acquire knowledge, develop essential skills, fulfil personal aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s future.
Adeola Kunle
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