Lack Of Menstrual Facilities, Others Preventing Girls From Attending School — Stakeholders Seek FG’s Assistance

Stakeholders in the education sector have identified lack of menstrual facilities in schools among reasons Nigerian girls drop out.

The Plan International in conjunction with the European Union Youth Sounding Board in Nigeria raised the issues in Abuja on Wednesday during an event to commemorate the International Day of Education with theme “Gender-Responsive Education Sector Planning for Peacebuilding.”

They urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide periodic trainings for teachers and schools as way to address the issue of out-of-school children.

Mrs. Jiddere Musa Kaibo, the education master trainer from the Federal College Of Education, Yola, said the need for continuous training of teachers cannot be overemphasized.

“Seemingly minor issues can lead to students, particularly girls, avoiding school. For instance, the lack of facilities for menstruating girls may deter them from attending school,” she said, adding an unfriendly school environment, home-related issues, and community challenges are part of the causes.

She explained that there is need to build a connection between schools, homes, and communities, while deliberate mechanisms must be in place to address identified problems.

She adviced teachers to create an environment where children, especially girls, feel supported and encouraged to attend school.

Adekubi Ogunsuyi, the EU-YSB Human Development Committee, backed the call for the training of female children in education and making education more inclusive.

She urged youths to actively engage with the European Union’s initiatives for the betterment of Nigeria.

Plan International’s representive,
Laban Onisimus said relevant stakeholders should work in partnership to support the federal government’s drive for quality education.