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Girls’ performance in mathematics now equal to boys, says UNESCO

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By Derrick Bangura

A new report by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has revealed that girls are outperforming boys in reading across all education levels.

A new publication by UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) said while boys performed better than girls in mathematics in the early years, this advantage had gradually disappeared as they progress in school.

The GEM report, which focused on deepening the debate on those still left behind, analyzed data from 120 countries in primary and secondary education to offer a global picture.

The analysis covered countries at all income levels on gender gaps in learning outcomes. It called on countries to think harder about gender inequality and barriers that hold girls back from realizing their potential.

Findings showed that in the early years, boys perform better than girls in mathematics, but this gender gap had since disappeared.

The research confirmed that the gender gap in learning has closed even in the poorest countries. In some countries, the gap is reversed.

“Evidence showed that girls are more likely to do better in mathematics in societies where they are treated equally. However, biases and stereotypes are still likely to affect learning outcomes. Even though girls catch up in mathematics in upper primary and secondary education, boys are far more likely to be overrepresented among the highest performers in mathematics in all countries.

In middle- and high-income countries, girls in secondary schools are scoring significantly higher in science. Despite this advantage, girls are still less likely to opt for scientific careers, indicating that gender biases could still be obstacles to the pursuit of further education in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Besides, when girls perform well in mathematics and science, they perform even better in reading. This may be another reason girls are less likely to opt for STEM careers,” the report said.

Director of UNESCO’s GEM Report, Manos Antoninus, said: “More girls achieve minimum proficiency in reading than boys. Although more data is needed, recent releases have helped paint an almost global picture of gender gaps in learning outcomes right before the pandemic. Girls are doing better than boys in reading and science and are catching up in mathematics. But they are far less likely to be top performers in mathematics. We need gender equality in learning and to ensure that every learner fulfills his or her potential.

Antoninus noted that the gender gap in learning is closing in Nigeria and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Girls outperform boys in learning in general. Boys perform better than girls in mathematics in early grades, but the evidence is starting to show that even in poorer countries, girls catch up later. Yet, boys are far more likely to be over-represented among the highest performers in mathematics.

“Girls have closed or reversed gaps in education access and completion. Gender gaps in enrolment and attendance have been declining over the past 20 years with less than one percentage point gender gap remaining in all three levels of education. Sub-Saharan Africa is the region furthest from parity at the expense of girls with no progress since 2011 at the lower secondary level and since 2014 in upper secondary,” Antoninus said.

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Agriculture

Borno establishes Ministry of Livestock, Fishery Development

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Gov Zulum Initiates Efforts to Revive Transborder Trade with Chad

The Borno Government has announced the creation of Ministry of Livestock and Fishery Development to align its

Development strategy with Federal Government initiatives, and boost the state’s economic potential.

Gov. Babagana Zulum made the announcement on Tuesday during the swearing in of two commissioners at the council chambers of the Government House.

Zulum underscored the importance of livestock and fisheries as vital sectors with untapped revenue potential.

He emphasised that the new ministry would focus on high-yield livestock breeds, milk production and fisheries, targeting both domestic consumption and export opportunities.

The governor said that “no state government can make substantial money in livestock alone, but we believe with the right investment and political will, the sector can generate significant revenue.”

He said that the growing demand for milk by yogurt companies and the proximity of Maiduguri to Asian and Arab markets, are great opportunities for dairy exportation.

The governor, therefore, assigned the Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Kadafur, to oversee the activities of the new ministry, citing his practical experience and passion for livestock development.

He said “livestock development is not just about academic qualifications, it is about practice and the deputy governor has demonstrated capability in that regard.”

According to him, the ministry will prioritise procuring high-yielding livestock varieties, enhancing milk production and creating sustainable rural projects to support

Local communities.

He said that projects in Mafa, Gajiram and in Southern Borno will soon be launched under the new ministry’s purview.

The governor urged civil servants and ministry personnel to take ownership of the new initiative, adding that the ministry’s success would contribute to the states

Long-term economic stability and self-reliance.

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British High Commissioner seeks military, civilian efforts in tackling insecurity

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The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Richard Montgomery, has called for the combination of military and civilian efforts in tackling the complexity of security challenges in Nigeria and globally.

Montgomery made the call at a two-day Security and Justice Symposium organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Collaboration with the British High Commission, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He commended the efforts of the Nigerian military in promoting civil-military collaboration and adoption of kinetic and non-kinetic action in addressing the menace of terrorism and insurgency in the country.

“At the heart of all this is recognition of the importance of upholding the rule of law, human rights, humanitarian law and international humanitarian law.

“We need to consider the different legal principles and frameworks that apply to criminal violence or to violent conflicts and how we deal with them in protracted conflict zones.

“We had a legal frameworks roundtable with the Nigerian military officers earlier this year, and a really good debate about how we adapt to different situations.

“I am hoping today we will help progress that dialogue on which Nigerian legal frameworks are appropriate in which circumstances,’’ he said.

Montgomery highlighted the positive and open relationship between the UK and Nigeria, noting that both countries were learning from each other’s experiences in tackling security challenges.

He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to continue this productive dialogue and hoped that the symposium would result in actionable insights and further strengthen the partnership.

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Zulum swears in 2 new commissioners

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Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno on Tuesday presided over the swearing-in of two new commissioners to replace those who died while in active service.

The State Chief Judge, Justice Kashim Zannah, administered the oath of office at the ceremony held at the Government House in Maiduguri.

The new commissioners are Muhammad Lawan-Dalorima for the Ministry of Finance and Isa Haladu for the Ministry of Reconstruction, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (RRR).

In his speech, Zulum expressed gratitude to the Borno House of Assembly for their prompt scrutiny and confirmation of the nominees.

He urged the commissioners to uphold the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability in their new roles, while emphasising the administration’s strategy of periodically rotating commissioners to different ministries to promote fresh ideas and effective governance.

“You have been chosen for your exceptional qualities and expertise. I have no doubt you will make valuable contributions to our administration,” he said.

The governor also paid tribute to the late commissioners who previously held the portfolios, reflecting on their contributions to the development of the state.

Responding on behalf of the commissioners, Haladu thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointment, and promised him of diligent service delivery.

 

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