Miss Dorcas Joshua, 15, who emerged “Minister of State for Education’’ at a programme to commemorate the International Girl-Child Day in Abuja, has advocated an increased investment in education.
The United Nations in year 2012 selected Oct. 11 as the annual International Day of the Girl -Child to promote girls’ rights and highlight gender inequalities all over the world.
Joshua, who spoke at the 2021 edition of the day which had as its theme: “Digital Generation, Our Generation Digital Revolution: Not without Girls,’’ Monday, said investment in education would close the gender digital divide in the country.
She also appealed for establishment of more secondary schools in all states to cater for the number of girls graduating from primary schools within a maximum of 2km distance from their homes.
The “minister’’ added that the theme for the celebration was apt, as there was need to invest in knowing more about girls and young women’s digital realities.
She said it was also necessary to support learning solutions, fit for digital world.
“An analysis of data from Nigeria’s annual school census of 2019/2020 indicates that the average transition rates from lower basic education, to upper basic, stands at 58 per cent for the Northern states of Kano. Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.
“The national average for girls’ transition from primary to junior secondary, stands at 64 per cent. Even the national average remains unacceptable to me.
“As data show, girls’ enrollment and transition continue to be jeopardised. And even where enrolled, girls are less likely than boys to complete secondary education, due to so many reasons.
“Only one of six girls who graduate from primary school is able to transit to secondary school. I ask then, where are the rest of the girls? we must find them,” Joshua said.
According to her, , for Nigeria to be a prosperous country, there is need to leave no child behind in Information Technology.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Sonny Echono, said no economy could attain its full potentials without the contribution of women, youths, girls, and boys alike.
“It is estimated that about 2.2 billion youths below the age of 25 still do not have internet access at home and girls make up most of the figure.
“Since Oct. 11, 2012, the day is to bring to the front burner, the importance of girls and highlight the unique role they play in every society and economy.
“There is need for all hands to be on deck in ensuring that Nigerian girls achieve irreversible progress, towards gender equality through digital learning, in both online and offline environment,” he said.
Echono further said that there was need to ensure that the girl-child benefits from inclusive learning experiences in both content and digital materials.
(NAN)