Empowerment

Gender-Inclusive Education Policy Launched in Bauchi

Published

1 year ago

August 26, 2025

Gender-inclusive education policy launched in Bauchi to reduce girl-child dropout and promote equal access to education, led by YLN and key stakeholders

Gender-inclusive education policy development took center stage in Bauchi as the Young Leaders Network (YLN) convened key stakeholders for a three-day workshop aimed at tackling barriers to girls’ education in the state.

Also read: APWEN Launches Empowering Consultancy Apprenticeship Programme

Speaking at the event, YLN Executive Director Seun Justin declared the initiative a bold step toward “rewriting the future of Bauchi’s children, particularly girls who are often left behind by circumstances beyond their control.”

Despite previous interventions, Justin noted that challenges such as early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and lack of educational support still force many girls to drop out of school.

“The statistics are sobering, but let us remember — behind every statistic is a child with a name, a face, and a future,” he said, urging attendees to move from intentions to impactful commitments.

Justin called for the creation of a policy that lives in classrooms and communities, not one that gathers dust in files.

He emphasized that investing in girls’ education is “smart economics, justice, and common sense,” urging stakeholders to be practical, inclusive, and bold.

He revealed that the draft gender policy for Bauchi reflects both national education standards and local realities, and outlined next steps including:

Steering committee formation
Policy adoption
Wide dissemination
Integration into organisational frameworks

The initiative received a strong endorsement from Musa Hardo, Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Bauchi Chapter, who pledged compliance with the forthcoming policy.

“A policy that facilitates school completion for the girl child is commendable,” Hardo said. He also committed to sensitizing school proprietors to ensure full implementation.

He added that although policy implementation is often a challenge in Nigeria, this particular initiative could transform Bauchi’s education sector, especially for girls.

Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Muhammad Rimin-Zayam, described the policy as “timely” and aligned with the state’s vision to expand educational access and equity.

“It’s all about bringing back our girls to school. This collaboration will go a long way in reducing out-of-school numbers,” he said, while acknowledging the role of civil society in bridging implementation gaps.

The Accelerating Girls’ Education Project, Bauchi Ministry of Education, and civil society organisations were encouraged to mainstream the policy into proposals, operations, and reporting.

Also read: Zamfara Women Abductions Condemned in Powerful NGO Statement

As the workshop wrapped up, stakeholders agreed that a gender-inclusive education policy is no longer optional but essential for securing the future of Bauchi’s girls — and the state’s broader development.

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State development

Bauchi Urges Girls to Pursue Education and Skilled Jobs

Published

2 weeks ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi girls’ education campaign urges students to complete school, learn vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men

Girls in Bauchi State have been encouraged to complete their education, acquire vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men as part of efforts to promote financial independence and reduce gender inequality.

Also read: Rest of World to Shut Down as Search for New Home Continues

The call was made on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at an event in Bauchi to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.

The event was organised under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, and Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative.

Speaking at the event, Mustapha Idris, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative, said the annual observance aimed to raise awareness of girls’ rights and promote their well-being.

He said the programme was designed to encourage girls to explore a wider range of professions and address gender disparities in the workplace.

Idris urged students to use their school holidays to learn practical skills, including shoemaking and soap production, which could help them earn an income and improve their economic prospects.

“Girls should not feel ashamed of learning a trade or engaging in legitimate businesses. These skills can provide them with sources of income, promote financial independence and reduce their reliance on others,” he said.

Monica Tanko, Executive Director of Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, urged the girls to remain committed to their education and avoid leaving school before completing their studies.

She also encouraged them to develop practical skills alongside their formal education, saying the combination could help prepare them for future challenges and employment opportunities.

Tanko stressed the importance of self-reliance while encouraging the students to maintain their personal dignity as they pursued their ambitions.

Timothy Ibrahim, an engineer with more than 20 years of professional experience, encouraged the students to consider engineering and other professions in which women have traditionally been underrepresented.

He urged them not to allow gender stereotypes to discourage them from pursuing their interests, adding that girls could excel when they had access to opportunities, encouragement and support.

His message reinforced the event’s call for girls to look beyond occupations traditionally associated with women and explore careers across technical and professional fields.

The event was attended by female students from several schools in Bauchi metropolis, including Rafin Zurfi, Bakaro, Unguwar Doya, Gudun Sayawa and the Federal Government Girls’ College.

The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to promote girls’ rights and draw attention to challenges affecting their development.

The Bauchi event used the occasion to highlight the importance of education, vocational training and access to a wider range of career opportunities.

The organisers’ message was that empowering girls requires more than keeping them in school.

Also read: Rest of World to Shut Down as Search for New Home Continues

Access to practical skills, supportive role models and opportunities to enter different professions can also help young women build greater economic independence and participate more fully in their communities.