In Nigeria today, more girls are going to school and doing well, even in fields once seen as “for boys.” However, the truth is, many schools are still not preparing girls to become leaders. Education will naturally give girls knowledge, but it often stops short of giving them the tools to lead. While boys are taught to speak up, take charge, and think critically, many girls are praised only for being quiet and obedient.
In most Nigerian schools, leadership is not built into the curriculum. From an early age, girls are rarely chosen to lead group discussions or become head prefects. Instead, they are given roles like food monitor or health prefect, positions that focus more on care than command. Over time, they start to believe leadership is only for boys. Worse still, the content in textbooks often shows men as scientists and heroes, while women are shown in kitchens or supporting roles. In schools without mentorship, girls have no one to look up to in fields like engineering, politics, or medicine.
Experts say it is important for schools to teach leadership from an early age. This can be done by starting debate clubs, public speaking lessons, and confidence-building activities. Teachers should also be trained to treat boys and girls fairly and stop promoting old, unfair beliefs. When schools, parents, and communities work together, girls can go from being shy in class to becoming leaders in business, government, and science. When girls lead, their families do better, and so does Nigeria. It is time to teach girls more than just how to pass examinations. We must teach them how to lead and shape the future.
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