Nigeria: Plateau Pharmacists Campaign Against Child Marriage, Urge Girl-Child Education

What the report says

The Association of Lady Pharmacists of Nigeria, Plateau State chapter, used a 2026 International Day of the Girl Child event in Jos to call for stronger protection of girls’ rights, more school access and better health support. According to Premium Times, the programme was held at Rochas Foundation College and centred on the theme “End Child Marriage, Invest in Girls’ Rights.”

Speakers at the event warned that child marriage remains a major barrier to girls’ education and long-term opportunities. Association leaders argued that early marriage can cut short girls’ ambitions and limit their ability to contribute to their communities and to Plateau State more broadly. A government representative at the event said the state remained committed to enforcing laws against gender-based abuse and backing girls’ education and healthcare.

The association said the commemoration was intended to amplify girls’ voices and highlight the challenges they face. Organisers also distributed sanitary pads to more than 300 schoolgirls and held health education sessions, saying menstrual hygiene support can help reduce absenteeism and keep girls in school. Officials from the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria attended. The event reflects broader advocacy in Nigeria, where campaigners regularly link girls’ education to reduced child marriage and improved social outcomes.