GPFN, NUJ Move To Tackle Gender-based Violence In Schools

The country director of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have jointly expressed concerns over the increasing rate of Gender-Based Violence (GNV) against girls in schools, particularly public schools.

The country director of GPFN, Rev. Dr John Joseph Hayab, speaking at a Girl-Child Education discussion on GBV in public schools held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre Kaduna, said the situation requires a holistic approach to address the trend.

According to him, “It is an honour to stand before you today to discuss two critical issues that deeply affect our society—the education of the girl child and the alarming rise in gender-based violence in our public schools. These issues demand our collective attention and urgent action.”

“Education is the most powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty and empowering young people to build a better future. Yet, across Kaduna State, many girls in Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) face the heartbreaking reality of being unable to sit for their NECO examinations simply because they cannot afford the fees.

“This financial barrier is forcing many bright and hardworking students to drop out at the final hurdle of their secondary education, limiting their opportunities and deepening inequalities,” he said.

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He, however, commended Governor Uba Sani for his passion and significant strides in transforming the education sector in Kaduna State.

“His administration has shown a clear commitment to improving access to education by reinstating the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees—a policy that had been discontinued by the previous administration. This bold step demonstrates his dedication to ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial hardship,” he added.

Hayab averred that while the government has commendably allocated a budget line for these external examination fees, it is crucial that the funds are released immediately. He stressed that a delay in disbursing these funds will mean that thousands of students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, may miss their examinations this year, which should not happen.

He further appealed directly to the Kaduna State Government to prioritise the immediate release of funds to sponsor NECO examinations for SSS3 students.

Earlier, in his remarks, the chairman of the Kaduna Council of the NUJ, Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe, stressed the importance of supporting educational development, especially at the formative age, while assuring that journalists would always be partners in encouraging education to enhance human development.

Also, the northern coordinator of the GPFN, Sheikh Haliru Maraya expressed concern over obstacles to the smooth educational development of children, especially girls, and advocated for urgent action to make education an easy task for all.