Group Train Teachers on Female Genital Mutilation 

Summary: Action Health Incorporated, a Lagos-based NGO, in collaboration with the Osun State Government, conducted a three-day training for 45 secondary school teachers. The training was focused on sexuality education and prevention of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and runs from Tuesday, May 19 to  Thursday, May 21, 2026. 

Action Health Incorporated, a Lagos-based NGO, in collaboration with the Osun State Government, conducted a three-day training for 45 secondary school teachers. The training was focused on sexuality education and the prevention of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).  The event was held at the Ministry of Health Conference Hall, located within the Osun Government Secretariat in Abeere, Osogbo, from Tuesday, May 19 to  Thursday, May 21, 2026. 

Female Genital Mutilation is the partial or complete removal of the external genitalia of the female body. Historically, Nigerians referred to it as female circumcision or Abe Dida in the South-West of the country. The World Health Organization and global bodies like UNICEF recognise it as a severe violation of the fundamental human rights, health, and bodily autonomy of girls and women. The health risk includes chronic pelvic infections, painful menstruation, severe pain and scarring, and haemorrhaging.

The participants were chosen from 45 secondary school teachers from public and private schools across the state. The teachers were equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage students in sexuality education and promote efforts to end FGM.

In her remarks, the NGO’s Programme Officer, Ms Fatimah Idris, urged participants to adequately transfer the knowledge they gained to their students and other teachers. She emphasised that teachers have a critical role to play in the fight against FGM and should treat their students as their own children.

“Your classrooms are the safest spaces these young people have outside their homes. Use that trust to protect them and give them the right information,” she advised the participants. 

She added that the organisation would continue to provide support to ensure the teachers effectively deliver the lessons in their schools.

“If we all take ownership of this fight, we will break the cycle of silence and ensure that no girl in Osun suffers the pain and trauma of FGM,” the Programme Officer added.