Bridge Empowers Girls’ Education, Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child

As of October 2022, there were 20 million out-of-school Nigerian children and 60% of these children are girls. Another recent report by the World Bank also shows that only 1 in 4 girls from poor, rural families complete Junior Secondary school education and Gender equality in Nigeria was reported as 0.3333%. This poses a threat to equity in the education of girls and the International Day of the Girl Child which is celebrated on the 11th of October every year is an opportunity to call on parents, educators, private institutions and policymakers to take steps towards empowering the girl child and ensuring equity. 

October 11th is set aside every year to spotlight the rights and unique challenges that girls around the world face, and this year’s theme – ‘Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being’ resonates very deeply with Bridge’s mission and values especially as it concerns issues around digital and life-skills training. Bridge International Academies recognizes that education is the key to unlocking the potential of every child, regardless of gender,” Foyinsola Akinjayeju, the Managing Director, Bridge Nigeria noted. 

For every time we deprive a ‘girl-child’ of her rights, we stifle potential, we dim a prospect, we short-change our world and for us at Bridge, we understand that education is the key to unlocking the potential of every child which is why we ensure that all pupils, irrespective of gender, have access to quality education,” Foyinsola added.

Bridge schools have been proven to be not just places where quality learning takes place but an environment where equity thrives. Reports and independent studies have consistently shown that girls in Bridge Schools perform exceptionally well, on par with their male counterparts. During the 2023 National Common Entrance Examination in Nigeria, numerous female Bridge pupils emerged as top performers during the National Common Entrance Examinations in Nigeria. These achievements have earned them scholarships and admissions into some of the country’s top secondary schools, further highlighting the quality of education and equity in opportunities provided by Bridge.

Bridge International Academies actively engages with communities to promote the importance of girls’ education. 

Omotola Francis-Akinlolu, The School’ Director, Bridge Nigeria added:

Through initiatives like parent-teacher associations and community meetings, we encourage parents and caregivers to support their daughters’ education and break down traditional barriers.  Bridge’s curriculum is also designed to be gender-responsive, addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by girls. We aim to empower our female students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century.”

On this International Day of the Girl Child, Bridge International Academies renews its commitment to providing girls with the tools they need to become leaders, change-makers, and contributors to their communities and society at large. We firmly believe that investing in girls’ education is not only a matter of their rights but also a key driver of progress and development for Nigeria.