A youth-led non-governmental organisation, Onelife Initiative, has called for deeper and sustained collaboration between government agencies, civil society organisations, and philanthropic institutions to advance quality, gender-responsive education for girls across Oyo State.
The call came during the launch of the second edition 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 girls’ educational performance in public secondary schools across the state during the 2023 and 2024 academic years, using data from NECO and WASSCE examinations.
Executive Director of Onelife Initiative, Mr. Sola Fagorusi, stated that while there have been measurable improvements in some areas, significant gaps remain. He pointed out that in local government areas such as Ibarapa North, Iwajowa, Irepo, and Iseyin, up to 90% of female students failed to secure the credits required for academic progression.
He highlighted Saki East as an example of consistent high performance over the past three years, though he acknowledged that the factors driving this success remain unclear and difficult to replicate elsewhere.
“Our aim is not just to applaud the progress but to identify where the problems lie and drive targeted, data-informed solutions that can uplift girl child education across the state,” Fagorusi said. He also spotlighted the TeachHer.ng initiative, which equips National Youth Service Corps members with skills for girl-focused teaching strategies. He thanked the Malala Fund and other supporters for backing the project.
Representing the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, Mr. Kayode Okesade praised the report and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to educational reform. He noted platforms such as the Day of the Girl Child and Menstrual Hygiene Day as vital efforts toward upholding the rights of girls.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, represented by Deputy Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Bola Dada, also spoke at the event. She highlighted the ministry’s Back to School programme, which focuses on returning out-of-school girls to classrooms across all 33 local government areas in Oyo State.
The event drew participants from the Ministries of Education and Women Affairs, civil society groups, education-focused organisations, and students from eight public secondary 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-driven organisation committed to empowering young people with the tools and opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
