The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that only quality education for all Nigerians can address the high level of poverty in the country.
Speaking at a media briefing on Friday in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nazhat Rafique, said the Nigerian government can only tackle poverty by providing quality education to all citizens.
She noted that girl-child education plays a critical role in the development of any nation, stressing that women’s education is a major driver of national development.
“Give me good mothers and I will give you a good nation,” she said.
Rafique, who urged Nigerian leaders to address gender discrimination in the education sector, pointed out that some cultural norms and traditions hinder girl-child education.
She explained that the goal of Education Cannot Wait (ECW) is to amplify every child’s right to education and quality learning, regardless of their background or circumstances.
According to her, the collaboration between ECW, the Adamawa State Government, and UNICEF in implementing the project will help provide education for the less privileged in communities.
Also speaking at the event, UNICEF Education Specialist, Mr Abdulrahman Ardo, said the 16-month project is designed to improve learning outcomes for children, particularly the most vulnerable.
“It will reduce the number of out-of-school children in Adamawa State and promote inclusive and equitable access to quality education for all children,” he said.
He disclosed that 100 school teachers will be trained on climate change, disaster management, and risk control.
Ardo added that the project, which will train over 253,000 students across different categories in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states, began in September 2024 and is expected to end in December 2027.
