Malala Fund Pledges $50 Million Towards Global Girls’ Education
The Malala Fund has announced a global commitment of $50 million aimed at removing the obstacles that prevent girls from accessing education.
Nankwat Dakum, who serves as the spokeswoman for MF in Nigeria, disclosed this information in a press release issued on Tuesday.
Ms Dakum explained that the funding is part of the fund’s newly launched five-year plan, known as Strengthening Rights and Securing Resources for Girls’ Secondary Education.
“This strategy will support local groups, advocate for better education funding, and help girls complete 12 years of education, especially those affected by early marriage,” she said.
She further mentioned that a considerable share of the investment will be directed to Nigeria.
Over the last ten years, MF has supported 21.8 million girls and spent more than $56 million on various education initiatives.
Ms Dakum noted that more than five million girls in Nigeria are currently not enrolled in school, with the highest concentration of affected students in the northeast and northwest regions.
“Girls face child marriage, poverty, gender violence, and insecurity—challenges worsened by underinvestment in education. Malala Fund’s strategy will address this.
“We support women-led organisations, demand fair education policies, and hold leaders accountable for education funding. Our efforts will prioritise Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano and Oyo states while also engaging the federal level to push electoral reforms,” she said.
Likewise, MF’s chief executive in Nigeria, Nabila Aguele, commended young girls for advocating for their right to education.
“We are witnessing adolescent girls in Nigeria demand education despite overwhelming odds. This strategy represents our promise to support them. Advancing girls’ education demands swift policy reforms and local engagement,” Ms Aguele said.
Ziauddin Yousafzai, co-founder of MF, recently made a visit to Nigeria to interact with community leaders, religious figures, and members of civil society.
The purpose of his visit was to rally the support of men and boys in defending girls’ right to education. It served as an important part of the implementation of the Fund’s strategic plan for 2020–2025.
MF was founded in 2013 by Malala Yousafzai and Mr Yousafzai. The organisation is committed to ensuring 12 years of free, safe, and quality education for every girl, no matter where she lives.
