Bridge International Academies has called on parents, educators, private institutions and policy makers to empower the girl-child and ensure equity between genders.
Speaking as part of activities to mark International Day of the Girl-Child, Managing Director, Foyinsola Akinjaywju, said this year’s theme: “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well Being”, resonates with the mission and values of the school as it concernsdigital and life-skills training.
She said the day presents opportunity to lend our voices to challenges affecting females.
Compared to World Bank’s data showing 43.7 per cent of girls and 50.4 per cent of boys completed lower secondary school in Nigeria as of 2010, the 2022 UNICEF Country Office Annual Report (COAR) says 67 per cent of girls and 69 per cent of boys completed lower secondary education in 2021.
The reports, she said, illustrate there has been improvement in education of the girl-child but there is still more to do to reach Sustainable Development Goal targets by 2030.
She said: “There are still child marriages, cultural barriers, socio-economic factors affecting education of the girl-child.
‘’Bridge International recognises that education unlocks potential of every child, regardless of gender,” Akinjayeju noted.
“Every time we deprive a ‘girl-child’ of her rights, we stifle potential, we dim a prospect, we short-change our world and for us at Bridge, we are aligned with SDG4 to provide inclusive and equitable education,” Foyinsola added.
“Bridge schools are places of equal opportunity and equal learning benefits for all. Reports and independent studies have shown girls in Bridge Schools perform well, on par with their male counterparts.
“During 2023 National Common Entrance, Bridge female pupils came top. These achievements earned them scholarships and admissions into top secondary schools.”
Director, Omotola Francis-Akinlolu, said: “Bridge International engages with communities to promote importance of girls’ education. Through initiatives as parent-teacher associations and community meetings, we encourage parents and caregivers to support their girls’ education and break down traditional barriers.
“Bridge’s curriculum is designed to be gender-responsive, addressing unique needs and challenges faced by girls. We empower our female pupils with skills and knowledge to succeed in the 21st century.
”On this Girl Child’s Day, Bridge renews its commitment to providing girls with tools to become leaders, change-makers, and contributors to society…’’
education is not only a matter of their rights but also a key driver of progress and development for Nigeria.”
-Thenation
