By Maryam Zanna Gambo
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Borno State Chapter, has decried the high number of out-of-school girls in the state, calling for increased investment in girls’ education and an end to child marriage.
The association says about 700,000 children are out of school in Borno, with girls accounting for 60 per cent.
In a press release to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, NAWOJ says insurgency, poverty, harmful cultural practices and early marriage continue to deny many girls access to education.
The statement was signed by the Chairperson of NAWOJ in Borno State, Fatima Zannah Mustapha, and the Secretary, Elizabeth J. Ameh, NAWOJ commended the Borno State Government for rebuilding schools destroyed by insurgency and implementing programmes to improve education and maternal health.
It, however, called for increased funding for organisations supporting girls, as well as second-chance education for married adolescent girls who dropped out of school.
NAWOJ also urged government and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts to end child marriage and protect the rights of the girl child.
The 2026 International Day of the Girl Child is being commemorated under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
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