Galvanising Multistakeholder Commitment for Life Skills Education for Displaced Adolescents in Nigeria
David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Uburu - African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems (AIHPHS) II
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David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Uburu - African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems (AIHPHS) II

A comprehensive joint stakeholder workshop was a key pre-intervention activity for the GPE KIX Building Resilience through Inclusive Development and Gender-Responsive Life Skills Education for Internally Displaced Adolescents in Nigeria (BRIDGE-IDAs) project. The event was organised by the BRIDGE-IDAs project consortium, which includes David Umahi from the Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, the African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems (AIHPHS) II, and Brooks Insights. Held at the Rockview Classic Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria, the event brought together over 80 participants, including policymakers, representatives from educational and humanitarian agencies at federal and state government levels, and internally displaced communities.

The workshop aimed to:

  1. Introduce the BRIDGE-IDAs project to key stakeholders
  2. Ensure project alignment with national and state initiatives, policies, and strategic frameworks, as well as the educational needs of internally displaced adolescents (IDAs)
  3. Validate key stakeholders and establish consensus on their power and interest in the project
  4. Establish a Study Advisory Group (SAG) for strategic guidance and oversight

Key Highlights

A dedicated session on "understanding the evidence-to-policy reform process" emphasized several critical elements:

  • The importance of grounding policies within a robust research context
  • The need for stronger synergies between federal government agencies
  • Enhanced understanding of the policy-making process
  • Development of tailored policy formulation approaches

Stakeholder Recommendations

The workshop featured dynamic group discussions that generated actionable recommendations for adapting, implementing, and scaling the life skills education (LSE) program within Nigeria's education and humanitarian response systems.

Key recommendations for creating an inclusive learning environment for IDAs included:

  • Mobilization of internally displaced persons (IDP) leadership structures
  • Implementation of gender-inclusive approaches
  • Capacity building for local actors within IDP communities

The workshop concluded with preliminary discussions on establishing the SAG, including its formation and terms of reference. Final details will be determined by the participation of  David Umahi from the Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, the African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems (AIHPHS) II and Brooks Insights in consultation with the Federal Ministry of Education.

Conclusion and next steps

Stakeholders commended the project’s inclusive and collaborative approach, acknowledged its alignment with national priorities, and affirmed its relevance in addressing the needs of IDAs. Additional findings from the baseline assessment will complement the workshop's insights and guide the development of a contextualized LSE curriculum tailored to the unique circumstances of displaced adolescents in Nigeria.

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