12 FCT Schools Debate Child Marriage, Female Circumcision, Gender Stereotypes
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has commenced an inter-secondary school debate aimed at promoting the education, protection, equal opportunities and meaningful participation of the girl child in public affairs.
The initiative, organised as part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child, involves 12 secondary schools drawn from the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The programme is being implemented under the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN).
Speaking at the opening of the debate in Abuja, the Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, said increased investment in the education and empowerment of girls, coupled with equal opportunities and greater participation in public affairs, would contribute to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Sulaiman, who was represented by the Acting Director, Department of Legislative Support Services, Professor Amuda Kannike, SAN, said women bring valuable perspectives to governance and should be given greater opportunities to participate in decisions affecting society.
He also called for stronger legislation to protect and advance the rights of women and girls, stressing that progress in the area should not depend solely on individual discretion.
The NILDS Director-General disclosed that recommendations and insights generated from the debate would be forwarded to relevant committees of the Senate and House of Representatives to support legislative discussions on issues affecting the girl child.
Also speaking, European Union Policy Officer, Amira Haid, said the partnership with NILDS demonstrates the EU’s commitment to empowering girls and addressing gender inequalities in Nigeria.
Haid noted that while progress had been made in girls’ education, significant challenges remained, particularly in healthcare and gender equality.
A Senior Research Fellow at NILDS, Dr Doris Heron, commended the participating students for demonstrating a strong understanding of issues affecting the girl child.
She said their contributions showed their ability to engage with complex social and legal issues, including through references to constitutional provisions, international treaties and other relevant legal instruments.
The first stage of the competition featured 12 secondary schools representing the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Following the opening round, six schools were eliminated, while six others progressed to the semi-final stage.
The successful schools are scheduled to compete in the semi-finals on October 5, 2026, while the Grand Finale will hold on October 12, 2026.
The students have debated issues including girl-child empowerment, child marriage, female circumcision and gender stereotypes, providing them with opportunities to research, develop arguments and engage one another on questions of rights, education, equality and development.
The competition is being broadcast on Democracy Radio 104.9 FM, Abuja, with the debates also available on digital platforms to extend the discussions beyond the participating schools.
According to NILDS, the initiative is designed not only as a competition but also as a platform for developing informed, confident and civically engaged young people while drawing greater public attention to the rights and aspirations of the girl child.
The programme will culminate in the Grand Finale on October 12, when the remaining schools will compete for the overall honours.
