Vice President Kashim Shettima has underscored the critical importance of education for the younger generation, warning that neglecting this responsibility will have long-term consequences for the nation.

He made these remarks during the International Conference on Girl-Child Education in Nigeria held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shettima, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, highlighted that out-of-school children pose a significant risk to their peers and society at large. He called for creative and urgent solutions to address the increasing number of children not receiving education, emphasizing that investing in education is not just a moral obligation but a stabilizing force for the nation’s economic and social order.

The Vice President also emphasized the transformative impact of girl-child education, noting that every additional year a girl spends in school increases her future earning potential and lowers poverty levels in her community. He pointed to progress in the Gender Parity Index, where girls are nearly on par with boys in primary school enrollment and surpass boys at the secondary level.

Shettima called for a collective effort from all sectors of society, including government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organizations, to ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of gender or geography, receives quality education. He reiterated that reforms to promote girl-child education must originate from within communities.