The United Nations (UN) in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to work with Malala Fund in its mission to advance the right to education and address the challenges that keep millions of children, especially girls, out of school.
Penpushing reports that National Information Officer of United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Seyi Soremekun in a statement said the reaffirmation was made during a strategic engagement held in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
The statement added that the engagement was with Nobel Laureate and Malala Fund co-founder, Ms. Malala Yousafzai, alongside the organisation’s executive team and board members, the United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall.
Penpushing further reports that the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria underscored the United Nations (UN’s) dedication to promoting inclusive and equitable education for all.
“The UN reaffirms its support to the Malala Fund in advancing the right of the girl-child to quality education and breaking barriers to education access,” said Mr. Fall, “No child should be left behind.”
Penpushing also reports that Fall led a UN delegation comprising representatives from UNICEF, UNESCO, UNDP, UNFPA, and UN Women to the meeting, emphasizing that meaningful societal transformation hinges on robust investment in human capital, particularly through education for girls and empowerment of women.
“Together with the government and our partners, we are committed to dismantling the obstacles that prevent children, especially the most vulnerable, from accessing education,” he added.
Penpushing reports that Fall identified key barriers to education in Nigeria, including insecurity, economic hardship, climate change, and entrenched socio-cultural norms, and called for intensified efforts to promote gender equality and strengthen social cohesion as critical pathways to sustainable development.
The co-founder of Malala Fund, who arrived in Abuja on September 26, 2025 for the Malala Fund Board of Directors annual meeting, reiterated Nigeria’s central role in the Fund’s global strategy for 2025–2030.
“Nigeria is a priority country for Malala Fund. Since 2014, we have invested over $8 million in Nigerian partner organisations working to break down the barriers keeping girls out of school,” she said.
Penpushing further reports that she outlined the Malala Fund’s strategic priorities in Nigeria, which include: ensuring married and pregnant girls can return to school; increasing education financing and ensuring it meets girls’ needs; and using education as a policy solution to ending child marriage.
The Chief Executive Officer of Mala Fund Nigeria, Ms Nabila Aguele, reiterated the commitment of the organisation to ensuring all girls could access and complete 12 years of school in Nigeria, emphasised Malala Fund’s focus on strengthening rights and securing resources for girls’ secondary education.
Penpushing also reports that Yousafzai while in Abuja will engage with young girls and education advocates supported by the Malala Fund to hear firsthand their stories, aspirations, and the changes they wish to see in their communities.
The statement added that she will equally meet with key government and civil society leaders to galvanize momentum for policy reforms and collaborative action to accelerate progress on girls’ education nationwide.
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