KANO, Nigeria – In a significant step toward fostering inclusive education for adolescent girls, a gathering was convened in Kano state to disseminate the findings of a baseline survey conducted in Nassarawa and Kano Municipal Local Government Areas (LGAs). Salisu Galadima, a key figure in the initiative, addressed the assembly, shedding light on critical issues affecting girls’ education in the region.
Galadima, while addressing the gathering, emphasized that a staggering 90 percent of school dropouts among adolescent girls in Kano state can be attributed to factors rooted in poverty. He pointed out that economic challenges force many families to withdraw their daughters from school, hindering their educational progress.
Another significant factor contributing to school dropouts, as highlighted in the survey, is the failure of adolescent girls to pass qualifying exams. The pressure and implications of these exams, often shaped by cultural and social norms, create barriers that disproportionately affect girls’ educational journeys.
Iliyasu Muazu Sharada, a village head of Sharada , proposed a unique solution to address the issue. He suggested the cancellation of the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) qualifying exam, contending that such a move would minimize school dropouts. His proposal sparked discussions on the broader implications of exam-centric educational systems and their impact on vulnerable populations.
Amidst the discussions, a prevailing sentiment emerged – the potential negative consequences of monetizing every aspect of education. Participants in the gathering voiced concerns that excessive financial demands within the educational system could exacerbate disparities and lead to increased dropout rates among adolescent girls.
The initiative’s commitment to inclusivity was evident in the diverse group of women drawn from the selected LGAs. The gathering served as a platform for these women to express their perspectives and experiences, contributing valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on improving educational outcomes for adolescent girls in Kano state.
As the dissemination of baseline survey findings marks a crucial step forward, the call for inclusive actions to address the multifaceted challenges faced by adolescent girls in pursuit of education gains momentum. The collaborative efforts of stakeholders and community members aim to create a more equitable educational landscape, ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to thrive in the pursuit of knowledge.
