Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Monday said Nigeria would continue to enact laws and policies to ensure children were protected and have access to education.
He said the Federal Government would put in place a national policy to guide its implementation to protect children from attacks in schools.
He spoke in Abuja at a three-day intensive workshop on Advocacy, Girls’ Education and School Safety organised by the Malala Fund.
Osinbajo, represented by Dr Fatima Waziri, Director-General National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, said the government was working hard to close the gap of equality created by COVID-19 that made it difficult for girls to go to school.
“Government is here to support the girl child in every way it can.
“COVID-19 reinforced many gaps in education and made it difficult for girls especially to access healthcare and education.
“The drop in income for most families around the world will mean that families making choices will almost make choices that will disfavour the girl-child.
“As schools remained closed during the pandemic, students education suffered while girls are more likely to drop out of school and not return but government recognised that the best interest of a child is paramount,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, a coalition of girls assembled by Malala Fund and Partners called on the Federal Government and its parastatals, security agencies and states to take necessary steps to ensure adequate protection for girls while in schools. (NAN)
