Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with UNICEF and Foreign Commonwealth Office have launched the reviewed National Policy on Gender Education (NPGE) for its implementation in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the launching ceremony in Kaduna, the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, said the implementation of the policy would be closely monitored and was approved by the National Council on Education.
The Director represented by a Deputy Director in the Ministry, Mr Funsho Aderibigbe emphasized the need for all the stakeholders to be committed to ensure full implementation of the revised policy to reduce the disparities in access, retention and completion at all levels of education.
Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir noted that, the policy document is expected to help strengthen the government’s capacity to oversee the integration of gender concerns in every area of national life.
She explained that, the NPGEB was developed and printed in 2006 and was long overdue for review considering the emerging issues and gaps that were identified.
Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir further explained that the review went through several processes including; stakeholders’ engagement to determine the process of the review, development of survey tools used in determining the implementation status of the first Gender Policy, pilot test of the tools developed in FCT among others.
Earlier, Chief of Education, UNICEF, Nigeria, Ms Saadhna Pandary who was represented by Education Specialist, UNICEF, Mrs Azuka Menkiti described the launching of the review National Policy on Gender Education as a demonstration of the transformative political will and strategic investment being made in girls’ education in Nigeria.
She said UNICEF stands ready to work with government, partners, communities, teachers, parents and students to deliver high quality education services to every child .
Ms Pindary stressed the need for stakeholders to make every effort to support children and young people in leading a meaning and happy life.
In her closing remarks, the Director, Basic Education in Federal Ministry Education, Dr Folake Olatunji David who appreciated all the development partners especially UNICEF for support said all stakeholders must ensure adequate use of the policy.
Dr Folake Olatunji challenged all the participants to publicize the use of the new policy in their various States for a better and safer education sector in Nigeria.
Earlier, Kaduna state Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Fatima Lawal, reaffirmed the state government commitment on the need for gender balance to achieve the desired goals and objectives to take education to its desired level as evident in several reforms the state is experiencing.
Commissioners of education from Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Gombe, Adamawa, SUBEB Chairmen and other stakeholders in educational sector from various States of Northern Nigeria attended the event and pledged to ensure implementation of the review policy.
COV/AMINU DALHATU