By Justina Auta
Nigerian students on Friday urged government to bring an end to insecurity and improve access to quality education in the country.
The students from nine northern states including the FCT made the call during an interactive breakfast session with the ministers of women affairs, education, development partners and other stakeholders in Abuja.
The session was part of activities to mark the 2021 International Day of the Girl-Child (IDGC),
While decrying increasing cases of kidnap, banditry and Gender Based Violence (GBV) in parts of the country, the students stressed the need for urgent adoption of strategies to curb the menace.
Miss Maryam Ibrahim, a student who spoke on behalf of Zamfara students, said the insecurity witnessed in the state had forced the shutdown of schools and reduced the number of schools enrolment.
She said “we want to appeal to government and stakeholders to expedite actions that will bring an end to insecurity such as kidnapping, violence and other forms of abuse affecting us, especially the Girl-Child.
“This has made our parents to be reluctant in sending us to school, especially in rural areas, where most of these atrocities take place.”
Similarly, Fatima Ibrahim, representing Sokoto State students, said the insecurity in the nation made some parents to withdraw a lot of students from school, especially girls, who might be exposed to kidnapping, rape and other vices.
On her part, Dorcas Joshua, a student from Adamawa, appealed for affordable and improved access to education, especially for those in rural areas.
Joshua said improving access to education would enable students to strive for success, financial independence, and try to be relevant toward developing the nation.
She, therefore, appealed to government to focus on laudable educational projects in rural areas, promote access to quality education and digital skills, as well as ensure inclusive learning for all children, irrespective of gender.
Responding, the Minister of State for Education, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, reiterated government’s commitment toward changing the narrative.
On the issue of insecurity, Nwajiuba said the Federal Government was collaborating with state governors, security personnel and community leaders to bring an end to kidnapping, banditry and other vices in schools.
He, therefore urged parents to enroll their children and wards in schools, stressing that it would empower them with skills and knowledge.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, while stressing the importance of girl-child education, urged the girls to strive harder to become less vulnerable to GBV and other harmful traditional practices.
Tallen said “with education, you can meet any challenge that comes your way and emerge victorious.
“You are all here to represent other students across the country and be good ambassadors that will take the messages learnt here to other students, especially the girl-child.
“I encourage you to promote the need for every child to acquire education.
“I also enjoin you all and other Nigerians, especially mothers, to continue to support government and pray for an end to insecurity, promote education and development in the country.”
The Director-General, National Centre for Women Development, Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, urged participants at the interactive session to utilise opportunities given to study hard in school.
Mr Peter Hawkins, the Country Representative, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), stressed the need for government to sensitise communities on the value of education to the individual and the nation.
He said “by learning, you will be able to determine your own future and protect yourselves from violence or harm.”
According to him, access to quality education will also protect the girl-child from insecurity, early marriage and other forms of harmful practices.
NAN
