Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), has called on the government to prioritize girl child education and address the growing issue of gender-based violence in public schools.
Speaking at a Media Roundtable Discussion on Girl Child Education and Gender-Based Violence in Public Schools, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Kaduna, he emphasized the urgency of these concerns.
“It is an honor to stand before you today to discuss two critical issues that deeply impact our society—the education of the girl child and the alarming rise in gender-based violence in our public schools. These matters require our collective attention and immediate action,” he stated.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab emphasized that education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering young people to create a better future. However, he noted that many girls in Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) across Kaduna State face the heartbreaking reality of being unable to sit for their NECO examinations due to financial constraints. This barrier forces many bright and hardworking students to drop out at the final stage of their secondary education, limiting their opportunities and deepening societal inequalities.
He also commended Governor Uba Sani for his commitment to transforming the education sector in Kaduna State. He praised the governor’s efforts in reinstating the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees, a policy that had been discontinued by the previous administration. According to him, this bold step reflects the governor’s dedication to ensuring that no child is denied education due to financial hardship.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab acknowledged the government’s commendable effort in allocating funds for external examination fees but stressed the urgent need for their immediate release. He warned that any delay in disbursing these funds could prevent thousands of students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, from sitting for their NECO examinations this year.
He directly appealed to the Kaduna State Government to prioritize the timely release of funds to sponsor NECO examinations for SSS3 students, emphasizing that this issue goes beyond policy—it is about securing the future of the children and driving the state’s economic growth.
“Education is an investment, not an expense. When we educate a girl, we educate a family, a community, and a nation. But when financial constraints deny a child this opportunity, we all bear the consequences. If we truly want to achieve sustainable development in Kaduna State, we must eliminate every barrier preventing our children from accessing quality education,” he stated.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab highlighted the efforts of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and the Back to School Educational Initiative under the Rise Up Project, which conducted in-depth research to uncover the root causes of school dropouts among girls in Kaduna State. The findings identified poverty, the previous government’s withdrawal of SSCE fee payments, and harassment in schools as the primary factors driving young girls out of education.
In response, the organizations have taken concrete action by mobilizing community support to raise awareness and demand change. They also established 30 Community School Safety Committees across the three senatorial zones to tackle harassment and create safer learning environments. These committees act as watchdogs, collaborating with school authorities, parents, and law enforcement to prevent violence and ensure that schools remain secure spaces for education.
Hayab further expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in gender-based violence in public schools, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
“Girls should not have to choose between education and safety. Schools must be places where they can learn, grow, and thrive without fear of harassment or abuse. I urge the Kaduna State Government, school administrators, and relevant stakeholders to implement strong policies and accountability measures to prevent and address gender-based violence in our schools. Every girl deserves an education free from fear, intimidation, or exploitation,” he stated.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab emphasized the crucial role of the media in shaping public discourse and holding leaders accountable. He urged journalists and media practitioners to continue amplifying the voices of young girls and advocating for policies that prioritize their education and well-being.
“We must keep this conversation alive until concrete actions are taken,” he stated.
He further stressed that the discussion should go beyond words and lead to meaningful action.
“Today is not just about discussions; it is about action. We must collectively push for the immediate release of examination fees to ensure that no child in Kaduna State is forced to abandon their education due to poverty. We must also work together to create safer schools for our children.
Governor Uba Sani has taken commendable steps toward improving education in Kaduna State. Now, we urge him to complete this process by ensuring that the necessary funds reach those who need them most—our children,” he concluded.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab emphasized that with strong leadership, community support, and media advocacy, Kaduna State can become a place where every girl completes her education without financial barriers or fear.
“Let us act now. Let us demand change. And let us ensure that every child’s right to education is upheld,” he urged.
He concluded with a call to action, saying, “Thank you, and may God bless you all.”
