Prioritise learning, girl-child education, stakeholders charge candidates

Education stakeholders in Oyo state have called on candidates in the forthcoming polls to prioritise learning and pay serious attention to education of the girl-child.

The stakeholders, including civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, teachers, school counsellors and a host of others, made the call during a two-day consultative meeting titled: “2023 elections: Transforming basic education in Oyo State.”

The event, which was held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), University of Ibadan, was put together by One life Initiative and Youth hub Africa with support from Malala Fund.

Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Rahman Abdul-Raheem, represented by the Director of Schools, Mrs Olukemi Bolaji, said finding solution to the girl-child problem requires concerted efforts from everyone.

The commissioner said: “Giving the right education and values to this generation and generations yet unborn, building individuals in both learning and character is what we should all work towards.

“Let us again give this right opportunity to the girl-child to aspire to greatness, turning things around positively just as to their male counterparts, to make the state and Nigeria a better place to live.”

Executive Director, Onelife Initiative, ‘Sola Fagorusi, said the consultative meeting was part of a national manifesto to unlock the power of education at the federal, state and local levels and to look at how to give priority to the interest of the girl-child.