A youth-focused non-governmental organisation, Onelife Initiative, has called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society groups, and philanthropic bodies to promote quality, gender-responsive education for the girl child in Oyo State.
This call was made during the official launch of the second volume of the State of Girl Child Education (SoGE) report, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. The report provides a detailed assessment of educational outcomes for girls in public secondary schools across the state for the 2023 and 2024 academic cycles, based on data from NECO and WASSCE examinations.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Onelife Initiative, Mr. Sola Fagorusi, noted that while the report acknowledges significant progress in some areas, it also exposes persistent disparities, particularly in local government areas like Ibarapa North, Iwajowa, Irepo, and Iseyin, where as many as 90% of female students struggle to earn credits necessary for advancement.
Fagorusi highlighted Saki East Local Government Area as a consistent high performer over the last three years but pointed out that the underlying factors behind this success remain unclear and are not easily replicable in other regions.
“The goal is not only to celebrate the gains but to identify gaps and direct impactful, data-driven interventions that can elevate education outcomes for girls statewide,” he said.
He also drew attention to the TeachHer.ng initiative, which equips National Youth Service Corps members with skills tailored for girl-centred teaching approaches. He thanked the Malala Fund and other donors for their support in advancing the project’s objectives.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola—represented by Mr. Kayode Okesade—commended Onelife Initiative’s research-driven advocacy and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to educational reforms. He referenced initiatives such as the Day of the Girl Child and Menstrual Hygiene Day as key platforms for promoting the rights and well-being of girls.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, represented by Deputy Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Bola Dada, also addressed the gathering. She highlighted the ministry’s *Back to School* Programme, which seeks to reintegrate out-of-school girls across the 33 local government areas in the state.
The event brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Women Affairs, civil society organisations, education networks, and students from eight public schools, including Isabatudeen Grammar School, Government College Ibadan, Eleyele Secondary School, and Monatan Secondary School.
The State of Girl Child Education report is a flagship publication of Onelife Initiative, a youth-serving organisation that equips young people with information, skills, and platforms to thrive and contribute to a resilient society.
