By Abubakar Ahmed
A community dialogue initiative aimed at promoting girl-child education has exposed deep-rooted social and economic challenges across several communities in Bauchi State. The outreach, known as the Fathers Forum, was organized by the Young Leaders Network (YLN) between April 27 and May 5 in Ganjuwa, Gamawa and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas, engaging about 50 men in each of nine communities including Kesa, Adabda, Bulanna, Mintokshi, Gital, Yolan Bafate and Miya.The programme targeted fathers and male community members, encouraging them to discuss obstacles to girls’ education and explore solutions.
Seven respected elders who have consistently supported girls’ schooling also joined as advocates. YLN Executive Director Seun Onarinde stressed the critical role of men in shaping opportunities for girls, saying: “We are not gathered to blame men. We are gathered to awaken responsibility.
When fathers and husbands stand with girls, everything changes.”Discussions revealed widespread concerns. In Kesa, residents lamented decades of unemployment despite educational participation, discouraging families from prioritizing schooling for girls. In Adabda, the absence of secondary schools was cited as a major barrier, while in Miya, some men expressed fears that educated women might undermine family harmony. Other communities highlighted poverty, hawking, parental negligence and teacher shortages as persistent obstacles. Facilitators challenged these perceptions, urging fathers to see education as a tool for family progress rather than division.The forum also showcased success stories.
In Ganjuwa, Dass LGA administrator Mohammad Murtala Madaki shared how supporting his wife’s education from secondary school to a second master’s degree had transformed their family. He said their daughters are excelling academically, inspired by their mother’s dedication. His testimony underscored the long-term benefits of investing in women’s education.Despite the challenges, the initiative recorded encouraging outcomes. Some fathers pledged to sponsor their daughters’ schooling, while others committed to supporting vulnerable girls.
Organizers noted early signs of change, with married women beginning to join educational programmes with their husbands’ approval. Community members praised the dialogue and called for its continuation, describing it as a vital step toward challenging stereotypes, strengthening parental commitment and creating more opportunities for girls to remain in school.