A youth-focused non-governmental organisation, Onelife Initiative, has called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, and philanthropic bodies to advance inclusive and gender-responsive education for girls in Oyo State.
This appeal was made during the official launch of the second volume of the State of Girl Child Education (SoGE) report, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of girl child education outcomes in public secondary schools across Oyo State, using data from the 2023 and 2024 NECO and WASSCE examinations.
Presenting the findings, Executive Director of Onelife Initiative, Mr. Sola Fagorusi, noted that while the report reflects progress in some areas, it also exposes wide disparities in educational performance. He highlighted several local government areas—such as Ibarapa North, Iwajowa, Irepo, and Iseyin—where up to 90% of female students failed to obtain the minimum number of credits required for academic progression.
Fagorusi singled out Saki East Local Government as a consistent top performer over the past three years. However, he acknowledged that the factors behind its success are not yet fully understood and may not be easily duplicated in other areas.
> “The goal is not just to celebrate the gains, but to highlight the gaps and direct evidence-based interventions that can improve learning outcomes for girls across the state,” he said.
He also spotlighted the TeachHer.ng initiative, which equips National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members with gender-responsive teaching skills tailored to better engage and support female students. He expressed appreciation to the Malala Fund and other donors for backing the programme’s implementation.
Representing the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, Mr. Kayode Okesade praised Onelife Initiative’s research-driven approach and reiterated the state government’s commitment to reforming the education sector. He cited programmes such as the International Day of the Girl Child and Menstrual Hygiene Day as key advocacy platforms promoting the rights and welfare of girls.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun—represented by Deputy Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Bola Dada—highlighted the ministry’s Back to School initiative, aimed at reintegrating out-of-school girls across Oyo’s 33 local government areas.
The event convened stakeholders from the Ministries of Education and Women Affairs, civil society groups, education-focused networks, and students from eight public schools, including Isabatudeen Grammar School, Government College Ibadan, Eleyele Secondary School, and Monatan Secondary School.
The State of Girl Child Education report is a flagship publication of Onelife Initiative, a youth-serving organisation dedicated to equipping young Nigerians with knowledge, skills, and platforms that foster a resilient and inclusive society.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
