RED Communication Associate; Daphne Akatugba has been invited as a speaker at the Basic Education Africa seminar in recognition of the International Day of the African Child 2014, with the theme ‘Basic Education for All – A Focus on Girl-child Education’ scheduled for Monday, June 16, 2014 at 11am at The Conference Chamber, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), 13/15, Kofo Abayomi Street. Victoria Island, Lagos.

June 16 is recognized as the International Day of The African Child and Basic Education Africa (BEAfrica) in partnership with other organisations will host a seminar to discuss basic education for all with a focus on girl-child education.

This seminar will feature presentations from key education and development experts, as well as create a platform for key education stakeholders, including government representatives, Head Teachers, Development Champions and School students, to discuss the following: what is the status quo on access to basic education for the Nigerian female? How good or bad is the situation as it is? What interventions are currently in place? What more could be done? How could we encourage more girls in school – i) Role of the Government ii) Role of Parents iii) Role of Schools iv) Role of the Community v) Role of International organisations and NGOs.

Ms. Akatugba will be speaking on ‘Education and the Future Generation: Advocating for equality in access to quality basic education in Nigeria’. Other speakers are Ms Tokuno Durosaro – Director, Oando Foundation and Mr Otto Orondaam – Slum2School Project Nigeria.

The event will also have a panel comprising the speakers, a representative from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), a Non-Governmental Organisation, a Community Leader and a parent to discuss several issues.

The organizers believe that the seminar will be a good platform to commence many of such discussions to advocate for the full inclusion of girls in education in Nigeria.