The challenge of increasing out-of-school girls in Nigeria poses a significant threat to national development, with Kano State facing one of the most critical cases. To address this, the Kano State Government has partnered with Islamic stakeholders to advocate educating adolescent girls in a recent workshop facilitated by the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), which was organised by the Kano State Ministry of Education under the Adolescent Girls Initiatives for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project and hosted at Bayero University Kano, marked strategic step in this direction.
Haruna Doguwa, Kano State Commissioner of Education, emphasised the state’s commitment to tackling the education gap. He stressed the AGILE project’s success in reintegrating hundreds of school-aged children into classrooms. Doguwa noted that engaging Islamic clerics in promoting women’s education through sermons is key to overcoming cultural and societal barriers. Meanwhile, as of 2022, over 1.9 million children in the state were out of school, constituting 39% of its child population, according to the Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty Survey. This significant rise from 81,919 out-of-school children in 2016 reflects a dire situation compounded by population growth, inadequate funding, and insecurity.
Religious leaders call on the govt to enhance their collaboration efforts.
Doguwa reaffirmed the state’s commitment to addressing this crisis, stating that educating women and ensuring access to education for all are top priorities. The state government declared a State of Emergency on education and has called for increased resource allocation to schools. At the workshop, CSACEFA Coordinator Dr. Auwalu Halilu underscored AGILE’s role in improving education for girls. He stressed the importance of engaging clerics in the discourse to identify barriers and develop community centred solutions. The clerics agreed that educating children is a religious obligation in Islam and urged the government to strengthen collaboration with religious leaders.
Moreover, the Nigeria Child Labour Survey 2022 revealed that many affected children engage in labour activities detrimental to their physical and mental well-being. Several factors have contributed to this rise in out-of-school children in the state. The number of school-aged children increased by 129% between 2016 and 2022, while funding for education plummeted from 15–21% of the state’s budget between 2020 and 2023 to just 3% in 2024. Other challenges include poverty, parental neglect, and families’ economic hardships. Comparatively, Kano’s out-of-school rate far exceeds the national average of 28.7%. Similar challenges are observed in other northern states such as Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara, further underscoring the urgent need for systemic solutions.
Different strategies and steps to tackle this escalating issue nationwide.
To address these issues, the government and stakeholders must prioritise constructing schools in underserved areas to reduce the distance children need to travel for education. Mobile classrooms and e-learning platforms can serve as interim solutions in regions lacking infrastructure. Also, Financial barriers remain a significant limitation, as parents often prioritise boys’ education over girls’. Implementing free or subsidised education, alongside scholarships and financial incentives, can ensure equal access for children. Cultural norms and traditions also play a role, often emphasising early Marriage over education for women.
Advocacy campaigns led by community leaders, parents, and traditional rulers can help change these perceptions by showcasing the long-term benefits of educating women. Security concerns, particularly in conflict-prone areas, stop many families from sending their daughters to school. Strengthening security measures and establishing safe school initiatives are vital to mitigating these risks. Ensuring schools are inclusive requires policies that address the unique needs of women, such as separate Sanitation Facilities and menstrual hygiene management. Enforcing laws against early marriage and child labour is equally crucial to retaining them in school.
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On the other hand, recruiting and training more women as educators can create a supportive environment, encouraging parents to enroll their daughters. Collaboration among the government, NGOs, and private entities is essential to mobilising resources for infrastructure, Teacher training, and outreach initiatives. Digital Technology can also transform lives by providing remote learning opportunities for girls unable to attend traditional schools. Regular monitoring and evaluation of educational programs targeting women will ensure gaps are identified and addressed. Empowering families through skills acquisition programs and income-generating initiatives can create a supportive ecosystem for sustained change.