The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has reiterated the importance of girl-child education, emphasizing its alignment with Islamic principles and its critical role in societal advancement.
Speaking at the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Bauchi, the Sultan urged for the dismantling of social and cultural barriers impeding girls' education, particularly in Nigeria's northeastern region. The event, organized by the Ministry of Education with World Bank support, focused on addressing these challenges under the theme: “Overcoming Social and Cultural Norms on Girl Education in the North East Zone: Roles of Traditional and Religious Leaders.”
“Islam is not against the education of the girl-child,” the Sultan affirmed. He highlighted the importance of educating communities about the transformative benefits of educating girls, noting its potential to improve families, communities, and society at large, regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds.
The Sultan called on northern governors to prioritize investments in education, citing the need to curb practices such as children hawking during school hours. “Every child deserves access to formal education,” he emphasized, urging greater commitment to tackling the root causes of educational disparities in the region.
The Sultan’s remarks resonated with the event’s focus on engaging traditional and religious leaders to promote girl-child education. He called for collective action to challenge outdated norms and ensure girls have the opportunity to contribute to societal development.
The AGILE project aims to empower adolescent girls through education and skill development, addressing barriers and fostering a supportive environment for their growth. The Sultan's advocacy adds significant weight to the ongoing efforts to ensure inclusive education in the region.
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