Stakeholders in Oyo State have called for increased investment in girl child education, urging the government to improve school infrastructure and strengthen funding to ensure girls have access to safe and quality learning environments.
The appeal was made during a Town Hall Meeting on Advocacy for Financing Girl Child Education held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Omotosho Area, Agara, Odo-Eja, off Akala Expressway in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The meeting, which began at 11:00 a.m. with an opening prayer led by an Islamic cleric, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, women leaders, media practitioners, civil society organisations (CSOs), School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) members, officials of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), parents and other community stakeholders.
Speaking at the gathering, representatives of the Malala–BudgIT initiative said the meeting was organised to promote sustainable financing for girl child education, identify funding gaps affecting female learners and encourage greater community participation in education development.
They also stressed the need for accountability in the management of education funds and called on government to improve learning facilities to boost school enrolment and retention among girls.
In his remarks, the community’s Imam underscored the importance of educating girls, citing Islamic teachings that encourage both male and female education. He urged parents to support their daughters’ education and not rely solely on government intervention.
The cleric also appealed to authorities to upgrade facilities at A.B.E. Technical School, noting that improved infrastructure would encourage regular attendance and enhance learning outcomes for female students.
Traditional leaders described education as one of the greatest investments families and communities can make, saying girls who receive quality education contribute significantly to national development and family stability. They warned that neglecting children’s education during their formative years often leads to wider social challenges.
A community leader attributed rising cases of child marriage and other social problems to poor parental guidance. He encouraged parents to instil discipline and moral values in their children while urging government to provide safe schools equipped with adequate sanitation facilities.
Media representatives at the meeting highlighted the importance of responsible parenting and called on the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board to prioritise the effective utilisation of Universal Basic Education (UBE) funds, particularly for improving sanitation in public schools.
They also referenced the 2024 amendment to the Universal Basic Education Act, which aims to strengthen education funding, expand access to basic education and address infrastructure deficits and the growing number of out-of-school children.
Women leaders echoed the demand for better sanitation facilities, encouraging mothers to take active roles in raising and mentoring their daughters.
One parent shared the experience of her granddaughter, a pupil at the affected school, who reportedly suffers health complications because there are no functional toilet facilities. According to her, many female pupils avoid using the restroom during school hours by holding their urine until they return home, exposing them to urinary tract infections and other health risks.
Representatives of civil society organisations urged parents to become positive role models by supporting their daughters’ education and maintaining close involvement in their academic and social development.
They further advocated increased education funding, transparency in budget implementation and effective monitoring of education projects to ensure resources allocated for girl child education deliver measurable results.
Responding to concerns raised during the meeting, the Oyo State SUBEB representative explained that the Board is responsible for primary and junior secondary schools, while senior secondary schools fall under the Ministry of Education.
He said schools with active School-Based Management Committees receive priority consideration for intervention projects, adding that an effective SBMC should include community leaders, school administrators, parents, students, alumni, religious leaders and women representatives.
The official disclosed that SUBEB is currently renovating 95 schools across Oyo State, including the construction of separate modern toilet facilities for boys and girls. He encouraged the community to strengthen its SBMC to improve its chances of benefiting from future government interventions.
At the end of the meeting, participants resolved that community leaders, school management and the School-Based Management Committee should jointly prepare and submit a formal request to Oyo State SUBEB seeking the renovation or construction of a four-classroom block with modern toilet facilities.
Stakeholders also agreed that communities should take greater ownership of public schools through proper maintenance of facilities while supporting government efforts to improve education.
They further recommended sustained public enlightenment campaigns through the media to promote responsible parenting, discipline among children and stronger support for girl child education.
The meeting concluded with participants reaffirming that improving access to quality education for girls requires collaboration among government, parents, communities, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious leaders and the media.
They pledged to continue advocating for increased accountability in education financing and to support initiatives that create safe, inclusive and conducive learning environments for every girl in Oyo State.
