Written question asked by Fiona Bruce (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 May 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 17 May 2024 (named day). It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Friday, 17 May 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Nigeria: Education

Question: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, if he will hold discussions with his Nigerian counterpart on the effectiveness of the Safe Schools Initiative for supporting the education of (a) girls, (b) religious minorities and (c) other children in conflict-affected areas of northern Nigeria.

Answer: Special Envoy for Girls Education, Helen Grant MP, will meet the Nigerian Education Minister on May 20 to discuss Nigeria's upcoming programme of education reform. The UK and Nigeria are signatories of the Safe School Declaration which commits governments to protect education from violence. The UK supports the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative in Nigeria through its Education in Emergencies and Protracted Crises (EiEPC) programme. This provides assistance to children affected by conflict in Borno and Yobe states, allowing them to learn foundational skills, increase their resilience and strengthen systems which support formal and non-formal education during emergencies.

Secondary information