Advocates say extending Universal Basic Education to 12 years could curb early marriage and boost opportunities for young girls.
The Participatory Communication for Gender Development Initiative has called on media professionals to champion a 12-year basic education policy in Nigeria. The appeal was made by Programme Director Ummi Bukar during a two-day workshop for journalists in Kaduna, Kano, and Borno.
Bukar stressed that the current nine-year Universal Basic Education (UBE) policy leaves many girls vulnerable to early marriage and school dropout, as it only covers junior secondary school. Extending it to senior secondary school would help girls stay in school longer, gain personal development, and achieve economic independence.
She highlighted weak enforcement of the Child Rights Act, noting that underage marriage persists despite laws setting 18 as the minimum age. Bukar also pointed out that many young mothers cannot return to school due to lack of childcare and flexible learning options.
The initiative called for stronger law enforcement, increased investment in education, and collaboration between government, civil society, and the media to promote gender-sensitive reporting and policy advocacy.
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