By establishing a non-profit organisation, Access to Education and Health Centre, former senator for Kaduna Central Shehu Sani has made a significant move to focus on the education of girls in Nigeria. During a ceremony in Abuja, Sani highlighted the importance of girls’ education for the country’s growth, stressing that it is a duty shared by both the government and individual citizens. During the launch, vital supplies, including toiletries and educational resources, were donated to four schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT): Government Girls Secondary Schools located in Kuje, Abaji, Garki, and Dutse.
The value of these contributions, amounting to millions of naira, was conveyed by the Programme Officer of the NGO, Halima Halidu Sani, who stood in for Senator Sani at the occasion. The project seeks to tackle the urgent concern of the significant population of girls not receiving education in Nigeria, a circumstance that Sani referred to as concerning. In his address, Sani emphasised that more than 7 million girls in Nigeria are presently not attending school. Out of this number, 3.9 million are in primary education and 3.7 million in junior secondary education.
Supportive legislation and intentional strategies must be enacted.
He underscored the importance of Nigeria assuming a leading position in promoting education for girls throughout Africa, especially in the West African region. Sani further emphasised that Nigeria should take the initiative to promote education for girls by implementing supportive Legislation as well as intentional strategies. He passionately called on affluent Nigerians to support the education of young girls. He stated that relying only on the government would not suffice to address the problem adequately.
Also, he argued that investing in girls’ education is crucial for the future, as these girls will eventually become mothers and key figures in society, impacting the generations to come. He mentioned prominent international women such as Benazir Bhutto, Mother Teresa, and Indira Gandhi, who played crucial roles in advancing education. The principals of the recipient schools voiced their appreciation for the contributions received. The principal of Government Girls Secondary School, Garki, characterised the effort as crucial for numerous learners.
Girls’ education should be supported across all stages.
This individual was supporting them when others turned their backs. They are profoundly thankful for his dedication to their students’ education. Sani’s worries found support in data from UNICEF, which revealed in its latest report from August 2024 that more than 7 million girls in Nigeria are not attending school. The senator expressed his discontent, declaring that the current state of affairs is intolerable. He stressed that educating women should be a key focus for Nigeria to foster a strong and prosperous economy, particularly as women constitute a major segment of the world’s populace.
Sani explained that educating girls is a crucial Investment in society’s future, as they will one day become mothers. He committed that his organisation, Access to Education and Health Centre, will persist in its mission to promote and support girls’ education across all stages, elementary, high school, and university. The group will advocate for this cause and guarantee that girls have the chance to learn, develop, and make an impact in their communities. School leaders from the beneficiary institutions praised Sani’s efforts.
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Moreover, they recognised his commitment and personal investment in enhancing the futures of young girls through his NGO, even after leaving public service. The principal of Government Girls Secondary School, Garki, conveyed heartfelt gratitude, highlighting that the former senator’s contributions exemplify the essence of true leadership. With the help of this NGO, Sani aims to spark a nationwide initiative focused on elevating the importance of educating girls in Nigeria, thereby reinforcing the country’s future prosperity.