Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed, has said that his administration remains committed to advancing girls’ education in view of its importance to societal development.
Speaking at the Traditional and Religious Leaders Conference on Improving Girls’ Education in the North-East, Mohammed highlighted key initiatives taken under his leadership to enhance educational access for girls.
The conference, organized by the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project—a World Bank-assisted program in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Bauchi State Government—focused on strategies to address challenges facing girls’ education in the insurgency-affected region.
Governor Bala underscored the critical role of traditional and religious leaders in promoting school enrollment, retention, and completion, particularly among girls
He said his administration constructed over 5,000 classroom blocks and renovated several others to accommodate the increasing number of students.
Governor Bala appreciated the vital role traditional and religious leaders play in encouraging school enrollment, retention, and completion, particularly among girls.
He mentioned the establishment of the Second Chance School to provide alternative learning opportunities for girls who may have dropped out of formal education and commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and other leaders for their continued support in tackling the issue of out-of-school children.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, who was represented by Bukar Bukarbe lamented that the Nigerian girl-child is becoming more vulnerable to extortion and child labour..
“It is also alarming to note that many of these girls are either hawking on the streets or serving as house helps,” the minister stated during the conference, with the theme Overcoming social and cultural norms on Girls Education in North East Nigeria.
“In spite of free and compulsory basic education programme, the minister expressed worry that many barriers keep girls from accessing education.
“For Nigeria to achieve its educational goals, the Girl Child must be educated,” he stated
“For this to happen all critical stakeholders including religious leaders and traditional rulers must collectively come and work together”
Alausa hoped that conference of Traditional and Religious Leaders lead in advocacy, sensitization and awareness creation at the States, Local and Community Levels on significance of Girls Education.
He urged traditional and religious leaders support the Federal and Sub-National Governments and reorient followers on myths and negative social norms which often prevent parents in supporting their wards and children to enroll into schools.
Minister described the conference as timely and in alignment with federal efforts to advance girls’ education nationwide.
He lauded Governor Bala for his impactful contributions to the cause.
The Sultan of Sokoto emphasized the importance of collective support from traditional leaders, religious figures, and community members in ensuring the success of girls’ education initiatives.
He praised Governor Bala’s proactive approach in addressing educational challenges in Bauchi State.
Amina Buba Haruna, National Coordinator of the AGILE Project, underscored the program’s goal of raising awareness about the significance of girls’ education in the insurgency-affected North-East.
She commended the Bauchi State Government for its unwavering support.
The Commissioner of Education, Dr. Jamila Dahiru, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ali Babayo, affirmed that the Bala Mohammed-led administration remains steadfast in its efforts to empower girls through education, calling for sustained support from stakeholders.
Dr. Jamila said it was a honour to have prominent traditional and religious leader attend the conference.
“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 appreciated Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for squeezing time out of his tight schedules outside the State to drive direct to this important conference.
“This has indeed demonstrated your commitment and fashion for the girl child education,” she said.
“I wish to also appreciate and welcome Your Royal Highnesses, our keynote speakers, panelists, delegates and other stakeholders for finding time out of your schedules to attend this conference.
“Your presence demonstrate your commitment to this critical cause. Your expertise will surely enrich our discussions and generate positive action.
“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”
The event also featured the investiture of the Bauchi State First Lady as the Ambassador of Girls’ Education in the North-East sub-region, further solidifying the administration’s commitment to this critical cause.
