By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCDA, said it wants to partner with the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, for
for educating Adolescent girls, women, and vulnerable individuals through non-conventional and flexible education programs.
The Mandate Secretary of the Secretariat, Adebayo Benjamins- Olaniyi made this proposal during a courtesy visit with her team to The National Open University.
The Mandate Secretary who emphasized the need to provide an innovative, condusive and flexible Curricular for Adolescent Girls, Women and vulnerable individuals in the FCT, emphasized that this was in tune with the Renewed Hope Agenda Initiative Of The First Lady of the nation, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
According to Benjamins- Olaniyi, it has become mandatory to give the six Area Councils equal opportunities to benefit from this education initiative, in the face the challenges often faced with accessing the traditional education system.
She stressed the importance of empowering these groups through education and developing programs that can accommodate their unique circumstances.
The university’s
non-conventional approach to education aligns with the vision of the Women Affairs Secretariat to provide learning opportunities that cater to the specific needs of women and vulnerable populations, she noted.
The Vice Chancellor of the National Open University, Professor Olufemi Peters expressed strong support and commitment to collaborate with the Women Affairs Secretariat, to promote an inclusive and accessible education for young women at the tertiary level.
Prof. Peters reiterated the impact of individuals contribution to holistic development through the well-being of children and families, and communities at large.
He stated that the areas of interest would be centered on tools and educational programs, comprising vocational training,
entrepreneurship opportunities, aimed at empowerment of women and vulnerable individuals in society.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the partnership between the Women Secretariat and the National Open University represents a significant step towards addressing educational disparities and promoting women’s empowerment.
He said that he is optimistic that the collaboration will foster educational initiatives that will positively impact the lives of young girls, women, and vulnerable individuals across the country.
The Mandate Secretary expressed optimism that the collaboration would create positive change in advancing women’s rights.
This collaboration also reflects a broader commitment to providing inclusive and quality education for all, irrespective of gender or socio-economic status.
Meanwhile, Benjamins-Laniyi has called on Stakeholders and the general public to put a Stop to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
She said that the Administration recognizes and respects traditions and culture, but not the one that harms Women and Girls.
She urged everyone to raise awareness and their voices against the harmful practice so that it can be stopped.
She however, commended Traditional Birth Attendants, TBAs for doing a great job in helping Women to deliver safely, but are also victims of ignorance when it comes to FGM.
