The Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, has flagged off a nationwide intervention to improve girls’ access and retention in basic education by providing menstrual hygiene support and distribution of essential school materials to girls in public schools.
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, said under the Commission’s “Flow with Confidence 2.0″ initiative, two million packs of sanitary towels alongside school bags, shoes, exercise books, mathematical sets and writing materials to girls across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Garba spoke in Abuja on Monday at the national flag-off of the programme at the State House Banquet Hall, where she stated that the intervention was designed to address circumstances that prevent girls from participating fully in education.
According to her, poverty and inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products could disrupt girls’ schooling, stressing that such challenges must not be allowed to undermine their educational aspirations.
“Girls nationwide who could change the world are held back by something we have the power to change,” she said.
The UBEC boss said providing sanitary towels and other school materials would help address practical challenges confronting girls, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, while reinforcing their dignity and participation in learning.
“Our message is clear: no girl should have to choose between her dignity and her education,” she said.
She said the initiative aligned with broader efforts to improve the quality of basic education and ensure that children had the opportunity to learn regardless of their circumstances.
She disclosed that the commission had constructed more than 4,000 classrooms in less than three years, introduced security measures in schools, provided water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, and distributed learning materials to more than three million pupils.
Garba added that UBEC had facilitated the return of more than 700,000 out-of-school children to classrooms, supported teacher capacity development nationwide and advanced the deployment of digital technology in schools.
She said these interventions were aimed at improving the learning environment, expanding access to education and addressing challenges that keep children, particularly vulnerable pupils, away from school.
Garba commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her advocacy for girls’ education, noting that sustained commitment was needed to remove barriers that prevent girls from reaching their full potential.
She also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s emphasis on education, particularly the provision of compulsory free basic education for Nigerian children.
The UBEC executive secretary urged state governments, development partners, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to support initiatives that protect girls’ right to education and create opportunities for them to thrive.
“Your dreams matter, your voices matter, and your future deserves every opportunity we can give you,” she said while addressing the children.
Garba expressed hope that the Flow with Confidence 2.0 programme would contribute to building an education system in which girls could pursue their ambitions without being held back by preventable challenges.
