Recommendations on Girl's Child Education in Northern Nigeria. (2)

Possible sustainable solutions to the problem of girl child education in Nigeria.

In 8 Northern states- 80% of women are not able to read and write compared to 54% of men,(African check July data)

Looking at sustainable solutions in addressing the problem of girl child education it is paramount we first identify the root causes of this problem and to understand that there is no one size fit all solutions to address this problem as each part of the north is distinct and it will require different approaches in each community. An assessment of each area will determine the response needed.

1. Unlearning the culture that relegates girls and women to certain roles in society. The northern culture shaped a girl living with an end result of being fit for marriage. Being outspoken is regarded as being wild or disrespectful. At an early stage, A girl is confined in these boxes, killing all aspirations or ambition to attain higher education qualification or career. The Homefront- Parents, girls themselves, religious leaders, a government parastatal. Boys and Men.

2. Implementation of the free, quality, and compulsory Universal Basic Education policy across the north and put in place measures to ensure adherence to the same. This will require policymakers and education boards to map out a realistic strategy to ensure parents send both their male and female children to school and the Government builds that safe learning environment. Other policies that complement this include the Child right act and the education policy 2012. National gender policy of 2006. (mainstreaming gender in education) 2030 sustainable developmental goal — number 4 quality education for all.

3. Empowerment of parents and caregivers with sustainable empowerment initiatives- in terms of life skills acquisition and ease the school enrollment process. Poverty is one of the factors affecting girl child education. family wealth influences a girl's education transition, poor families see child marriage as a means of economic survival and even among the rich.

4. Strengthen the education management system in the North. — Teachers' training on gender mainstreaming and child protection. Teachers must have the minimum standard required to teach in schools. We must get female teachers in school as that will inspire girls' attendance in school and they could find someone to talk to if need be- Teachers need to make conscious efforts to encourage girl’s participation and performance in classes.

5. Ensuring visibility for educated Northern women that have influence change to be role models for women and girls in the grassroots- this will influence them to be there- while growing up I had the likes of Dora Akunyili, Maryam Uwais, Fati Abubakar, Amina Mohammed. Ebere Ifendu (Not all from the North but their character influences me to aspire greater things in Life. We need a mentorship initiative for girls- in school and out of school girls (NWTF) did that- project kadara(our girls our assets for secondary school girls. personally, I offer free mentorship sessions and one-one counseling for girls.

6. Education policy to emphasis on the girls at the grass root and rural areas- Access to a safe and conducive environment to learn, learning materials, qualified teachers, access to technology,

7. Every woman from the north (especially those in political offices) to use her space and influence to ensure this change is attained. Baby steps count towards something- this trimmed down to gender equality.

8. Create a system for education transition for the girl- child — this will require addressing hindrances to girls completing secondary and tertiary institutions.

9. Most importantly we need to make MEN and BOYS the champions of this cause for sustainability, they need to be at the forefront campaigning on the importance of ensuring a girl attains the highest school qualification she wants. This will require a lot of engagement and awareness-raising on different levels.

In conclusion-

There is no future for northern Nigeria if we keep girls out of school. Educated women have a greater chance of escaping poverty and women invest 90% of their income in their families and communities, thus reducing poverty and improving health, safety, and education for everyone.

My twitter handle is — saratuwakawa and email is saratuwakawa@gmail.com