The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman has awarded scholarship to ten students from various federal Colleges of Education, to encourage girls to embrace education.
Mamman gave the scholarship at at a National Conference on Teacher Education in Abuja on Thursday.
The students are from Colleges of Education across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The conference has the theme:”The Teachers We Need for Quality Girl-Child education in Nigeria”.
Mamman added that a new programme on education and skills for the school system would commence soon.
The Minister said the programme, which involved a review of the entire education system, would prioritise skills at the foundation and secondary school levels for self reliance.
Mamman stressed the importance of teacher development and capacity building for quality educational outcomes.
He, however, highlighted the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, engaging parents, and prioritising girls’ education for national progress.
Mamman explained that to impart these skills, there was the need to build the capacity of teachers to understand the peculiarities of the students, especially the girl-child.
“We need to check if we have the capacity and particularly in the case of the girls.
“Teachers who are sensitive and responsive to the vulnerabilities of the girls that’s why even there physical environment- the school is very important to be able to remain in school all day.
“We have a new programme coming up on board in education and skills and the entire review of the education of Nigeria that will be implemented by all schools in the public and private sector,” he said.
He added that a technical committee would be set up to review the current policy on teacher support and development.
Meanwhile, representative of the Japanese Embassy, Mr Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, reinforced Japan’s global commitment to advancing girls’ education, citing substantial investments in African girls’ education access and quality.
He emphasised the pivotal role of quality teaching, technology, and enhanced infrastructure in fostering educational transformation.
Also, Mr Abdourahamane Diallo, Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, reiterated UNESCO’s dedication to SDG 4, stressing the crucial role of well-trained teachers in achieving quality education.
He announced a new EU-funded project to fortify teacher resilience and capacity, advocating a unified approach bolstered by technology to surmount ongoing challenges in girls’ education.
The National Conference on Teachers Education reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to advancing girls’ education through dynamic partnerships and innovative strategies.
