Ukorebi Esien | October 13, 2026
CALABAR — National Coalition to End Child Marriage in Nigeria has taken its campaign against child marriage to Government Secondary School, Akim, Calabar, Cross River State, calling for stronger protection of girls’ rights and sustained investment in their education.
The sensitisation programme, organised by the Cross River State chapter of the coalition to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, was held under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
Speaking at the event, the coalition’s state coordinator, Kebe Ikpi, reprrsestressed by Emmanuel Ele, said the importance of education in protecting girls from early marriage, teenage pregnancy and other practices that could undermine their development.
Ikpi urged students, particularly girls, to remain in school and complete their education before marriage, noting that education equips them with the knowledge, confidence and skills to make informed decisions about their future.
He also drew attention to the Cross River State Child Rights Law, 2023, which provides legal protection for children, including provisions against marriage involving persons below the age of 18.
The coalition emphasised that girls should be allowed to enjoy their childhood, pursue their education and develop their potential without being subjected to early marriage or other forms of rights violations.
A civic education teacher at the school, Patience Safana, welcomed the initiative, describing the sensitisation as timely and relevant to the experiences of students from different family and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Safana identified poverty, cultural practices and other social pressures as factors that could expose girls to early marriage and teenage pregnancy.
She recounted the case of a brilliant Senior Secondary School Three student who became pregnant and subsequently stopped attending school, expressing concern over the impact of teenage pregnancy on girls’ education and future prospects.
According to her, programmes that educate students about their rights and responsibilities could help shape their attitudes and encourage them to make better-informed choices.
The coalition also advocated sustained school-based initiatives to promote girls’ rights, with discussions highlighting the need for school clubs that would encourage positive values and provide continued awareness beyond one-off sensitisation programmes.
The principal of Government Secondary School, Akim, Mrs. Magdalene Assam, said the school had encountered cases involving child rights concerns, adding that issues beyond the school’s capacity were referred to relevant authorities.
She described the sensitisation as an important step towards helping students understand their rights and the appropriate channels to seek assistance when those rights were violated.
Assam expressed optimism that the programme would increase awareness among students and strengthen their ability to recognise and report rights violations.
During the programme, the coalition also presented copies of the Cross River State Child Rights Law, 2023, as amended, to the school to promote greater understanding of the legal framework for child protection.
Students who participated in the sensitisation said they had learnt the importance of patience, knowing their rights and making responsible decisions about their lives.
The programme formed part of broader advocacy efforts to end child marriage and promote the rights, education and wellbeing of girls in Cross River State.
The coalition called on schools, families, communities and relevant authorities to work together to protect girls, challenge harmful practices and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and fulfil her potential.
Present at the event were representatives from National Human Rights Commission and Centre for Citizens Rights, Office of the Public Defender, Child Protection Network Caritas Nigeria, Girls Power Initiatives, Partners for Peace and other CSOs
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