By Zainab Faruk
The First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, has reiterated her unwavering commitment to the empowerment of girls through education. Speaking at a conference organized by the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project under the Federal Ministry of Education, she emphasized the transformative power of education in overcoming social and cultural norms that hinder girls’ access to learning in the Northeast region of Nigeria.
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.
In her keynote address, the First Lady described education as the cornerstone of empowerment, stating that it equips girls with the tools needed to make informed decisions, advocate for their rights, and contribute significantly to their communities. “Education is not just a fundamental human right; it is the foundation of progress,” she said.
Drawing from her personal experience, Hajiya Aishatu revealed that she was married at 16 but remained resolute in pursuing her dreams, which eventually led to the establishment of a private open university. She described this milestone as a testament to the transformative power of education and a declaration that every girl, irrespective of her circumstances, deserves a second chance and an environment that nurtures her growth.
“Educated girls grow into women who transform their families and societies, breaking the chains of poverty and ignorance,” she remarked. Citing research, she added, “Studies have shown that when girls are educated, entire communities thrive. Educated women contribute to economic growth, improved health outcomes, and more inclusive governance.”
The First Lady highlighted the barriers that girls face in accessing education, including cultural norms, poverty, gender discrimination, and inadequate infrastructure. She urged all stakeholders—governments, communities, and individuals—to work collectively in addressing these challenges.
“Governments must prioritize education for girls through policy reforms and increased funding. Communities must challenge harmful traditions that keep girls out of school, and individuals like you and me must mentor, advocate, and support initiatives that empower girls,” she stressed.
The First Lady also expressed her gratitude to her husband, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for his unwavering support of her efforts in the education sector. “Baba, na gode,” she said, acknowledging his belief in her vision.
She extended her appreciation to the organizers of the program for creating a platform to address the pressing issue of girls’ education and promised to continue championing initiatives aimed at empowering girls in the state.
The AGILE project conference served as a rallying call for traditional and religious leaders to play active roles in breaking the barriers preventing girls from accessing education. With the support of stakeholders like the First Lady, the conference highlighted the urgent need to create a brighter and more equitable future for all through education