By Abubakar Ahmed
Young Leaders Network (YLN) on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, led by its Executive Director, Mr. Seun Justin Onarinde. The delegation met with the Honorable Commissioner of Education, Dr. Lawal Mohammed Rimin Zayam, and top management staff to discuss efforts to improve access to quality education, particularly for adolescent girls and vulnerable learners.
During the visit, Onarinde highlighted YLN’s past interventions in Bauchi State, including strategic advocacy efforts with Malala Fund, such as #Project12:30. This project engaged over 3,000 community members and empowered 279 girls through storytelling and mentorship clubs. He introduced to the Commissioner the Sustainable Advocacy for Girls Education in Bauchi State (SAGE) Project, with support from Malala Fund aimed at empowering adolescent girls and young women, advocating for a Gender in Education Policy, and developing a Gender-Responsive Education Financing Framework.
According to Onarinde, the SAGE Project will complement existing government programmes, including the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner, Dr. Lawal Mohammed Rimin Zayam praised YLN as a worthy partner in progress, promising to sustain the partnership between the Ministry and YLN.
The highlight of the visit was YLN’s donation of a Pad Bank to the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, symbolizing their commitment to girls’ dignity, health, and learning continuity. The Commissioner appreciated the gesture, noting its potential to support girls’ education in the state.
The meeting demonstrates the commitment of both YLN and the Bauchi State Ministry of Education to collaborative efforts in advancing education, particularly for adolescent girls and vulnerable learners.
