Number of out-of-school girls disturbing, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says he is disturbed by the number of out-of-school girls in the country.

Buhari spoke on Thursday while inaugurating the headquarters of the federal ministry of women affairs in Abuja.

A statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, quoted Buhari as saying that it is the collective duty of all to ensure that “mothers of today and tomorrow are educated, encouraged and empowered”.

Nigeria has 13.2 million out-of-school children. The girl-child accounts for 60 percent of this figure.

The president promised that his administration would sustain its efforts to end child marriage and improve girl-child education in the country.

‘‘Our quest is to ensure that concerns of women, children, and other vulnerable citizens are given prominence and ultimately addressed,” Buhari said.

‘‘A key priority of our government is the development and implementation of social inclusion and economic sustenance policies. Our determination is to ensure that economic growth and prosperity are felt by as wide a circle as possible.

‘‘In particular, we are laying great emphasis on education of the girl– child. The high level of young girls who are out of school or unable to complete school due to socio-economic pressures is disturbing and must be addressed.

‘‘The launch of the National Strategy to End Child Marriage, 2016 – 2021 has been the first critical step towards increasing children’s access to quality all-round education and enhancing the retention of the girl-child in our schools.”

He asked the ministry to continue to champion and coordinate all matters relating to the plight of Nigerian women and the most vulnerable citizens, assuring Nigerian women of his continued support and determination to see that the ministry delivers on this mandate.