By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
Governor Bala Abdukadir Muhammad of Bauchi State has reiterated the commitment of his administration to advance girls’ education in the state in view of it’s importance to societal development.
Muhammad who described girls education as key to any responsible government, hence need of his administration to remain committed to advancing girls’ education.
At the event, themed “Overcoming Social and Cultural Norms on Girls’ Education in the Northeast Zone: Role of Traditional and Religious Leaders,” brought together key stakeholders, including religious and traditional leaders, to discuss actionable strategies for improving girls’ education in the region.
Organized by the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment AGILE Project in collaboration with the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Education, and Bauchi State Government. Senator Bala Muhammad who highlighted the achievements of his administration in girls education, underscored the critical role of traditional and religious leaders in promoting school enrollment, retention, and completion, particularly among girls.
The Governor said that since assumption of Office in 2019, his Administration has constructed over 5000 blocks of Classrooms and renovated many others saying that Traditional and Religious Leaders have been assisting the State in promoting Schools Enrollment, retention and completion particularly among Girls.
He said that his administration has established the Second Chance Schools and commended the Sultan of Sokoto, other traditional rulers and religious leaders for their support.
In his keynote address, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III lamented education backwardness in the Northeast region, particularly the girl child, where most of them engage in hawking and other trades to put food on the tables in their families.
“We are here for a very serious business, to discuss the issue of Education of our daughters who are here seated with us. It is a meeting for the North-East AGILE project.”
“A couple of days back, we had the one for the North – West geopolitical zone in Kaduna which I was there personally, today as it pleased Almighty Allah, we are here for the North-East Zone and in the next few days we will be in Minna for the North Central zone.” “All we are doing is to discuss the very important issue of education of our girls. I want to make a point here, Islam is not against the education of the girl child, there a couple of reasons why the issue is not tackled here and in other states. The main thing is, how it is being done to educate people.”
“The lack of funds to really educate everybody and to really understand what is education and educating the Girlchild. I will like to thank the Amira of FOMWAN for a very elaborate presentation. I want to commend all those who left what they are doing to come for this programme.”
“I want to thank all the traditional rulers from the North East subregion for making it to the meeting. Let me stress here that the traditional institutions has a very significant role to play in the scheme of things. With the traditional rulers, we will not be where we are today”he said
The Sultan commended the Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir for hosting the meeting and for carrying everyone along as was said by the CAN Chairman.
“If religious leaders are playing astute roles in your administration, give them their dues. There should be understanding of each other irrespective of religion.”
“Now we have known our problem, it is lack of education for our girls. When I was coming here, I saw some children hawking on the street and I was wondering, I asked some of them and they told me that they have morning and afternoon sessions at school.”
“I think it is very important to talk to ourselves, not wanting education but how to get it and how to go about it. Giving the Girlchild education is the best thing to do because she will use it to better the society as she will take care of herself, her family and community irrespective of ethno-religious sentiment.”he aded
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa represented by Bukar Bukarbe described the Conference as apt and in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the Education of the Girl Child and commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his support.
National Coordinator, AGILE Project, Amina Buba Haruna said that the overall objectives of the AGILE project is to create awareness on the significance of Girls Education in the North East subregion ravaged by insurgency activities and commended the Bauchi State Government for the support.
In her welcome remarks, Commissioner for Education, Dr. Jamila Muhammad Dahiru, expressed joy to be part of the critical discussion surrounding the education of the girl-child who form a larger percentage of the most vulnerable segment of the society.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ali Babayo, the Commissioner stated that, “Today, we are here to address one of the pressing issues of ensuring that every girl child is given access to quality education. This conference is a call to action and a remainder to all of us that we must work together to clear the barriers and empower girls to achieve their full potentials.”
She stated that,”We are happy to be here together from diverse group of experts, advocates and stakeholders to share our experiences and proffer solutions to our common problems. We are going to engage in thought provoking discussions, best practices and share innovative approach to advance girl child education.”
According to her, “The conference showcase our commitment to creating a society where every girl child will have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.”
“Let us work together to bring change in the lives of girl child. Let us ensure that every girl child has access to quality education and every opportunity that come with it,” She concluded.
