Abuja, Nigeria — Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has arrived in Abuja for a high-profile series of engagements focused on accelerating progress in girls’ education across Nigeria. The young activist is in the country for crucial meetings with the Board of Directors of the Malala Fund.
During her visit, Malala will interact directly with young Nigerian girls and education advocates supported by her foundation. She is also scheduled to meet with government officials and civil society leaders, aiming to renew commitments and partnerships to keep girls in school.
Nigeria Central to Global Strategy
The visit underscores Nigeria’s vital importance to the Malala Fund’s future work. Nankwat Dakum, the Fund’s Communication Manager, confirmed that Nigeria remains central to the Fund’s new global strategy for 2025–2030. Since 2014, the organization has invested over $8 million in local initiatives working to remove barriers to education in the country.
Malala’s return comes at a critical time for stakeholders working to address challenges like early marriage that prevent girls from completing 12 years of schooling. The organization has pledged a massive $50 million globally under its new five-year plan, with a significant share specifically earmarked for Nigeria. This initiative aims to strengthen local advocacy efforts and boost education financing.
The Malala Fund, founded in 2013 by Malala and her father, champions the cause of free and safe education for every girl worldwide. Malala previously visited Nigeria in 2021, where she urged state leaders to declare a state of emergency in the education sector.
