The House of Representatives has tasked the federal government to strive to enrol out-of-school girls by introducing free and compulsory education across the country.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC-Lagos) on the floor of the House in Abuja on Thursday.

The motion was on the commemoration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.

She said the last survey by UNICEF revealed that 18.5 million children were out of school in Nigeria, 60 per cent of which were girls.

Ms Ogbara said adolescent girls had the right to a safe, educated and healthy life, adding that investing in girls’ leadership included creating space and platforms for girls to raise their voices at every policy-making level.

“The International Day of the Girl Child acknowledges the importance, power and potential of adolescent girls around the world by spotlighting other issues such as poor learning opportunities,” he said.

These, according to her, included discrimination, tackling issues posed by stereotypes and exclusion of children with disabilities and those living in marginalised communities.

Ms Ogbara expressed concern over the high number of out-of-school girls engaged in drug abuse and other vices in Nigeria.

She said investment in critical steps, such as the Girls Rights under the Convention of the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), would help to fast-track the SDG goals.

The lawmaker added that the current trend in Nigeria revealed that young girls their parents and guardians sexually abused returned to the same house after police intervention.

The House urged government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) saddled with the responsibility of training and empowerment to ensure compulsory vocational skills for the girl child.

The House mandated its Committee on Women Affairs to engage with all relevant MDAs to ensure compliance.

(NAN)