Disturbed by the high rate of out-of-school girls in the country, the federal government has begun collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to reverse the trend.
The government explained that its decision to collaborate with both the traditional and religious leaders was because they hold a unique and influential position in the society.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, during a National Conference of Traditional and Religious Leaders on Girls Education in Nigeria,the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa,also said the proximity of both traditional and religious leaders to the people places them at the forefront of driving social change, particularly in education.
According to him, government needed the support of traditional and religious leaders to advocate for girl education, engage communities, and reorient societal attitudes.
“As you are all aware, traditional and faith leaders serve as gatekeepers to all our communities and as a result, this necessitates consultation and engagements with these distinguished group of Nigerians in order to get their views and secure their buy-in.
“They are crucial in educating members of their communities and congregations positively especially the youths to champion the cause of attitudinal changes among the people to achieve the desired development and transformation of the government programmes and initiatives that will promote girl child education.
“This is where your leadership is indispensable. By leading sensitization campaigns, organizing community events, and serving on advocacy committees, you can drive the attitudinal changes needed to make girls education a priority in every home. We trust that at the conclusion of this conference, you will take up this challenge and work closely with the Ministry to achieve our shared vision.
“Educating the girl child is not just an educational goal, it is a moral, cultural, and national obligation. By educating our daughters, we are securing the future of our nation,” he said.
Source; (Vanguard)
