The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have joined forces to tackle the pressing issues of gender-based violence in schools and the education of the girl child.
At a Media Roundtable Discussion held at the NUJ Secretariat in Kaduna on Tuesday, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Country Director of GPFN, emphasized the need for collective attention and urgent action to address these issues.
Hayab highlighted the alarming rise in gender-based violence in public schools, citing poverty, government policies, and harassment as major factors pushing young girls out of school.
“We are here today to discuss two critical issues that affect our society – the education of the girl child and the alarming rise in gender-based violence in our public schools.These issues demand our collective attention and urgent action.
“Girls should not have to choose between education and safety. Schools must be safe spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive without fear of harassment or abuse,” he said.
Haya, who’s also the former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, commended Governor Uba Sani for his efforts to transform the education sector in Kaduna State, particularly in reinstating the payment of Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees.
“Governor Uba Sani has taken commendable steps toward improving education in Kaduna State.
“However, we urge him to complete this process by ensuring that the necessary funds reach those who need them most – our children,”he said.
He also appealed to the Kaduna State Government to prioritize the immediate release of funds to sponsor NECO examinations for Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) students.
“Education is an investment, not an expense. When we educate a girl, we educate a family, a community, and a nation. But when financial constraints deny a child this opportunity, we all bear the consequences,” he added.
He noted that the GPFN has conducted research on the root causes of school dropout among girls in Kaduna State and has established 30 Community School Safety Committees to address harassment and create safer school environments.
“We have taken concrete steps to address these issues. But we need the support of the government, the media, and the community to ensure that every girl has access to quality education in a safe and supportive environment,” Hayab said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Kaduna Council of the NUJ, AbdulGafar Alabelewe, emphasized the importance of supporting educational development, especially at the formative age.
“As journalists, we have a critical role to play in shaping public discourse and holding leaders accountable. We will continue to amplify the voices of young girls and advocate for policies that prioritize their education and well-being,” he said.
Hajiya Zainab Maina of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) also spoke at the Roundtable, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that girls complete their education safely.
“It is crucial that we create a safe and supportive environment for girls to learn and grow. We must work together to prevent and address gender-based violence in schools and ensure that every girl has access to quality education,” she said.
Also speaking, Sheikh Haliru Maraya, Northern Coordinator of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), expressed concern over the obstacles hindering the educational development of children, particularly girls.
He emphasized the need for urgent action to make education accessible and effortless for all.
Maraya highlighted the challenges facing girls’ education, including poverty, child marriage, menstruation and hygiene issues, and gender-based violence.
“We need to take urgent action to address these challenges and ensure that every girl has access to quality education.
“Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our girls and empowering them to become leaders and change-makers in our society,” Maraya said.