An NGO called Hub Initiative, which works on developing human capital in Nigeria and other African countries, has raised concerns about the growing gender gap in the nation’s educational system. The organisation revealed during the World Education Day celebration in Abuja that there is a serious dilemma as girls’ out-of-school rates are an astounding 60% higher than boys’.

Executive Director Oyeyemi Pitan voiced grave worry, drawing attention to the regrettable fact that Nigeria has the largest percentage of children who are not in school worldwide. Pitan stressed that this circumstance signifies unfulfilled potential, abandoned aspirations, and an uncertain future for millions of young Nigerians, going beyond simple statistics.

Pitan identified specific challenges contributing to the gender disparity, including poverty, escalating insecurity, limited access, cultural barriers, and substandard education quality. She underscored the consequences of this situation, noting that out-of-school children are more likely to be trapped in poverty cycles, susceptible to recruitment into armed groups, and hindrances to national development.

Pitan demanded immediate action, outlining the necessity of government involvement and stressing the significance of research, teacher motivation, resolving insecurity, and working cooperatively with stakeholders to put suggestions into practice. Calling World Education Day a turning point, she encouraged a commitment to ensure learning for sustainable peace and eradicating insecurity in the country.

The NGO’s warning highlights how urgent it is to address gender gaps in education and stresses how important it is to do so in order to halt the cycle of poverty, create enduring peace, and advance sustainable national development.