In a bid to develop a strategic approach to equity and inclusion of marginalized groups and aid development of a holistic policy on inclusive education, British Council has announced the introduction of the Girls’ Education and Advocacy Research Network (GEARn).
The network is made up of research teams, whose primary goal is to contribute to the body of knowledge on issues of inclusion and equity in basic education in Nigeria.
The Council through its Communications and Marketing Communications Manager, Desmond Omovie, explained to BusinessDAY that the network of researchers will produce progressive research reports which will support the development of government and donor policy in response to the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, those focusing on education quality, access and equity.
“This will be achieved through supporting the production of peer reviewed research output of the highest quality and use of evidence in developing education policy in Nigeria.
“The project is particularly focused on identifying and explaining where education systems, models, innovations and institutions have resulted in improved participation and outcomes for girls and other marginalized populations,” he added.
Speaking on the launch of the project, British Council Director, Society, Mohammed Ahmed said, “British Council has committed to supporting women and girls in Nigeria through our work and with the GEAR Network our ambition is to ensure that we support the development of a more inclusive education system based on evidence of programmes that work”
The research teams are expected to work at state level and the British Council has prioritized the following states; Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto and Zamfara.
