The Malala Fund has unveiled a five-year strategy backed by a $50 million global investment, with a significant portion allocated to Nigeria to confront the persistent crisis hindering girls’ access to secondary education.
Announced by the Fund’s Communications Manager in Nigeria, Nankwat Dakum, the initiative, ‘Strengthening Rights and Securing Resources for Girls’ Secondary Education’ will help break systemic barriers and ensure that more girls complete 12 years of free, quality education.
“Nigeria remains one of the most challenging places for a girl to access education, particularly in the northern states,” Dakum said in a statement issued in Abuja. “Over five million girls are out of school, especially in the North-East and North-West.”
The strategy is rooted in grassroots action. It will support local, women-led organisations, advocate for increased public investment in education, and demand accountability from political leaders especially in states with poor education outcomes.
The six priority states for intervention are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, and Oyo. The Fund will also engage the federal government on broader education reforms, pushing for the fulfilment of electoral commitments to improve learning environments.
Nabila Aguele, Nigeria Country Director for the Malala Fund, said the programme reflects the courage of girls who continue to demand education against all odds.
“We are seeing young girls rise and demand their right to learn, even in the face of child marriage, insecurity, and poverty. This strategy is our commitment to stand with them and ensure their voices are heard,” Aguele said.
Founded in 2013 by Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai and her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, the Malala Fund champions girls’ right to safe, quality education globally.
In the past decade, it has invested over $56 million worldwide and supported the education of over 21.8 million girls.
The Fund’s ongoing work in Nigeria includes strengthening community advocacy, monitoring education budgets, and pushing for inclusive education policies.
Recently, co-founder Ziauddin Yousafzai visited Nigeria to engage traditional and religious leaders in support of girls’ rights, part of a broader campaign to enlist men and boys as allies in the fight for educational equity.
