AHIP raises alarm over barriers to girls’ education, healthcare

Adolescent Health and Information Projects (AHIP) has raised concerns over persistent barriers to girls’ education and healthcare in Nigeria, calling for stronger measures to protect their rights and expand access to essential services.

The organisation made the call in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr Mairo V. Bello, to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child on October 11.

AHIP urged governments, development partners, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to increase investment in girls’ education, healthcare and protection, stressing that every girl deserves equal opportunities to fulfil her potential.

It said many girls, particularly those in underserved communities, continued to face challenges, including child marriage, gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, school dropout, harmful traditional practices and limited access to sexual and reproductive health information and services.

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According to the organisation, these challenges undermine girls’ rights, expose them to preventable risks and limit their opportunities to achieve their aspirations.

AHIP expressed particular concern about adolescent girls who are unable to complete their education, make informed decisions about their health or participate meaningfully in society.

It maintained that no girl should be forced to abandon her dreams because of poverty, discrimination, insecurity or harmful cultural practices.

The organisation called on governments at all levels to strengthen policies and programmes that promote girls’ education, improve access to adolescent-friendly healthcare services, prevent child marriage and gender-based violence, and protect vulnerable girls.

It also urged parents, guardians, traditional and religious leaders to challenge harmful stereotypes, support girls’ ambitions and create safe environments where they can acquire life skills and develop their leadership potential.

AHIP further called on development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to increase investment in programmes that provide girls with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to build better futures.

It stressed that girls should not be regarded merely as beneficiaries of development initiatives but recognised as active participants whose voices and experiences should shape policies and decisions affecting their lives.

Reaffirming its commitment to adolescent health, information and empowerment, the organisation said it would continue to promote girls’ rights and wellbeing through advocacy, community engagement, access to information and programmes that support their health, dignity and development.

AHIP also encouraged girls to believe in their abilities, pursue their education, speak up for their rights and aspire to leadership in all spheres of life.

It called on stakeholders to move beyond promises and translate their commitments into concrete actions that guarantee every girl the opportunity to survive, learn, grow, participate and succeed.

The organisation said protecting and empowering girls was a shared responsibility and a foundation for Nigeria’s sustainable development, stressing that every girl deserved a future defined by opportunity, dignity, safety and hope.