From Paul Orude, Bauchi
The Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, has lamented that the Nigerian girl-child is becoming more vulnerable to extortion and child labour.
Alausa expressed this concern during the Traditional and Religious Leaders Conference on Girls’ Education in the North East Zone, held at the New Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi, on Thursday.
The conference, spearheaded by the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development and the Federal Ministry of Education, was organised to promote the Adolescent Girls Learning Experience (AGILE).
“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, which had the theme “Overcoming Social and Cultural Norms on Girls’ Education in North East Nigeria.”
“In spite of the 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 together and work together.”
Alausa hoped that the Conference of Traditional and Religious Leaders would lead advocacy, sensitisation, and awareness creation at the state, local, and community levels on the significance of girls’ education.
He urged traditional and religious leaders to support the federal and sub-national governments and reorient followers on myths and negative social norms which often prevent parents from supporting their wards and children in enrolling in schools.
In a welcome address, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Jamila Mohammed Dahiru, said it was an honour to have prominent traditional and religious leaders 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 reminder to all of us that we must work together to clear the barriers and empower girls to achieve their full potential.”
Dahiru appreciated Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for squeezing time out of his tight schedule outside the state to drive directly to this important conference.
“This has indeed demonstrated your commitment and passion for girl-child education,” she said.
“I wish to also appreciate and welcome Your Royal Highnesses, our keynote speakers, panellists, delegates, and other stakeholders for finding time out of your schedules to attend this conference.
“Your presence demonstrates 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 the girl-child. Let us ensure that every girl-child has access to quality education and every opportunity that comes with it.
“Thank you very much for gracing the occasion. May Almighty Allah reward you abundantly, bless us to have a fruitful engagement, and take us back safely to our respective destinations at the end of this important conference.”