By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

Determined to break the yoke of poverty in the country, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, on Friday advocated for more education for the girl child.

The minister who stated this while inaugurating the implementation committees of Luminah 2030 and Quality Education and Learning Outcomes Initiatives in Abuja on Friday said the more the girl child is educated, the more the cycle of poverty is broken in Nigeria.

“What you do by training a girl child is breaking the cycle of poverty, forever,” the Minister stated.

Shedding light on the committee’s roles, he said “The Luminah Girl Child Initiative and the broader Quality Education and Learning Outcomes Program are all targeted towards addressing out of school children.

“These initiatives are bold steps in transforming the educational landscape of our nation. By investing in the education of our children-especially the girl child we are investing in a future that is brighter, more prosperous, and filled with limitless possibilities.” the Minister explained.

The Committee’s inauguration, he said, is not just the launch of an initiative; but a reaffirmation of the collective resolve to create an inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education system that leaves no child behind.

The Minister listed the committees to be inaugurated under the Quality education and learning outcome to include National Monitoring of Learning Achievement (NMLA) Committee, School Grading Committee, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, Teacher Capacity Building-Communities of Practice (CoP) committee, and the Teacher Capacity Building-Training Manual/National Framework committee.

He said the committees under Luminah 2030 are National Steering Committee, Technical Advisory committee, Stakeholder Engagement Advocacy and Communication committee, Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability committee, and Private Sector, Development Partners and Donor Engagement committee.

Dr. Alausa charged the members to approach the assignment with utmost dedication, professionalism, and a sense of purpose.

“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education, I assure you of our total commitment to this initiative. We will provide all the necessary resources and institutional support in order to ensure that these programs come to fruition.” he said.

“It requires the unwavering support of all stakeholders-educators, parents, development partners, the private sector, and civil society. Education is a shared responsibility, and together, we must continue to push the boundaries of innovation, inclusion, and excellence.” he stated

He expressed appreciation to the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad for her leadership, the Ministers of Women Affairs, Minister of Trade & Investment, Director-General of NITDA, Development partners and other stakeholders for their invaluable contributions.

“Your dedication and partnership will continue to be instrumental in ensuring that these programs achieve their intended impact.

“As we leave here today, let us do so with a renewed commitment to action. Let us turn these words and promises into tangible results that will uplift our children, strengthen our communities, and secure a prosperous future for our nation,” the Minister added.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, said the key initiatives will redefine the future of education in Nigeria.

“Today, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all, with a special emphasis on empowering the girl-child and enhancing learning outcomes for every student.

“Education remains the bedrock of national progress and sustainable development, and through the Luminah Girl-Child Initiative and our broader Quality Education and Learning Outcomes initiatives, we are taking decisive steps to bridge educational gaps, foster innovation, and equip our young people with the skills, competences and knowledge needed to thrive in a dynamic world.”

She explained that the fundamental pillar of the mission is empowering Nigerian educators and ensuring they have the necessary training, resources, and support to deliver high-quality, future-focused instruction that meet the diverse and changing needs of learners.

“Equally vital is our commitment to illuminating pathways for the girl-child and women, ensuring that education becomes a powerful tool for breaking barriers, driving economic empowerment,

“By investing in inclusive learning opportunities, we are not just educating individuals, we are building stronger families, resilient communities, and a more prosperous nation.

“As we launch these transformative programs, let us renew our shared commitment to building an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready education system. Together, we can inspire change, unlock opportunities, and empower future generations,” she added.