The Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), a non-profit organisation, has called on stakeholders to expand educational opportunities for indigent adolescent girls in Nigeria.

Oluwafunmilayo Para-Mallam, principal investigator, Inspiring Girls and Grassroots Networks for Inclusive and Transformative Education (IGNITE), made the call at a one-day stakeholders workshop in Jos on Saturday.

PASGR is implementing the research component of the IGNITE Consortium.

Mr Para-Mallam said that the essence of the workshop was to enlighten stakeholders on its vision for empowering girls through quality education.

He added that the workshop was also to officially inaugurate members of the Utafiti Sera House (Swahili for “Research Policy”).

“This inception workshop aims to bring together the country research team and key stakeholders involved in working with adolescent girls’ education to co-create evidence that supports policy change and engagement.

“It also aims at overcoming barriers and expanding educational opportunities for adolescent girls,” Mr Para-Mallam said.

He said that the meeting would create a collaborative platform for stakeholders to engage in policy discussions, strengthen advocacy, and promote a multisectoral approach to ensuring equitable educational opportunities for adolescent girls.

Kachollom Gang, Plateau commissioner for education, who was one of the stakeholders, commended the IGNITE Consortium for the meeting.

Ms Gang described the meeting as apt and a wake-up call for the educational needs of every girl child.

The commissioner said that issues such as poverty, early marriage, and gender bias were some of the barriers that impeded girls’ education in Nigeria.

According to her, the resolutions at the end of the meeting will help enhance the inclusion of girls education in Nigeria.

Caroline Dafur, Plateau commissioner for women affairs, called for collective action, policies and funding from government at all levels for the advancement of the girl child education.

Martin Kapchanga, a researcher from Kenya, who spoke on the Utafiti Sera House, said it was a collaborative policy-making approach where stakeholders co-create solutions using research.

“It ensures inclusive, evidence-based policies to address issues like education, gender equity, and governance, ” saidMr  Kapchanga.

Also speaking, Oluwaseun Ayomipo, Nigeria Research Associate, said Utafiti Sera House would provide a groundbreaking approach to bridging research and policy.

Mr Ayomipo said there would be a continuous stakeholders’ meeting to strengthen and deepen research. 

(NAN)