By Musa Solomon
In its quest to address Gender problems in Education, Kogi state Ministry of Education in collaboration with the State AGILE on Thursday in Lokoja held a critical Stakeholders meeting to critique and review the drafted policy on Gender in Education and its Implementation Guidelines 2026 – 2036.
The meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the State Government House was declared opened by the State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Declaring the meaning opened, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo commended the Technical Committee for coming up with a drafted document and called on the Stakeholders to brainstorm and come up with a workable policy that will not only addressed gender issues but improved the quality of Education in the State.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade Arike PhD reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the Education Sector is repositioned with the view of making sure that every child of School going age is Educated.
The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State who emphasized the value of Education called on the State Ministry of Education to do everything possible to reduce the out of school children to zero level. She advised that the Ministry to invoke the section of the Child Right Act that prohibits children of school going age from hawking during school hours.
She called on Parents and Guardians to place more value on education and encouraged their wards to go to school, saying that Education is the only key that prepares one for opportunities.
In his address, the State Commissioner for Education Hon. Wemi Jones said the drafted policy when implemented will strengthen the State Government’s capacity to initiate and oversee the integration of gender concern in all facets of the educational life of Learners in the State.
He stated that the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the State AGILE came up with the Policy document to address the global concern for gender parity in Education.
According to him, ” a significant number of girls and boys are still deprived of access to foundational knowledge, essential competence and life skills required for safe, productive and meaningful participation in the Society”
He noted that the policy on Gender in Education and its Implementation Guidelines 2026-2036 will address Gender parity, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all the segments of the society.
In her submission, the Director Educational Planning Research and Statistics Dr. Animoku Ahman Elizabeth said the Kogi State Policy on Gender in Education and its Implementation Guidelines is in response to the National Policy on Gender in Education 2021.
According to her, ” the focus of the policy is to address access, retention, performance and completion concern for boys, girls,men and women in Education.
She stated that the KSPGE is key to the attainment of SDG4 and SDG5 and the elimination of all forms of discrimination in Education, therefore ensuring equity, equality, parity and social inclusion.
The Policy she said is promised upon the principles and values within the Nigerian Constitution and existing national policies along with the state laws and policies that promote gender mainstream across all levels of the Education Sector to meet the principles and practices of gender equity and social inclusion.
Speaking, Stakeholders at the meeting commended the Ministry for coming up with the Policy and called for a high level Sensitization to create awareness of the policy in the State.
End.
