Bauchi State Reaffirms Commitment to Educating and Empowering Adolescent Girls

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

Bauchi State has renewed its commitment to improving the lives of adolescent girls by promoting quality education, personal hygiene, and leadership development.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, Alhaji Sale Mamman, made this known while addressing a gathering at Kobi Primary School to mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead – Girls in the Frontlines of Crises.”

Alhaji Sale urged young girls to remain focused on their education in order to achieve their dreams and become strong pillars in society.

He emphasized that education is the foundation of national development and encouraged parents to support their daughters in pursuing education up to the tertiary level.

The Permanent Secretary reiterated that there will be no meaningful development in any country without a strong foundation in education, saying in countries like the United States, teachers are highly respected civil servants, this shows the value placed on education.

He advised girls to avoid negative peer influence, uphold discipline, and show respect to their parents and elders in the community.

Alhaji Mamman, also cautioned teachers against exploiting students for selfish interests, warning that the government would take strict action against any educator found guilty of such behavior.

Also speaking at the event, Malama Habiba Adamu of the Women Affairs Directorate addressed issues related to menstrual hygiene, emphasized that menstruation is a natural part of adolescent life and should not be seen as a barrier to education.

Malama Habiba, advised girls to practice proper menstrual hygiene by regularly washing and ironing reusable pads, and changing them every four hours to prevent infections.

She said, Menstruation is not a sickness, therefore Girls should not stay away from school during their periods, instead, they should speak openly with their mothers about the physical changes they experience during adolescence.

Malama Habiba encouraged open communication within families to ensure girls receive the support they need during this critical stage of development.

Speaking on the importance of empowering the girl child, the Director of Child Development in the Ministry, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad, condemned practices such as forced marriage and child labor, urged parents to allow their daughters to pursue their interests and talents, noting that education is key to unlocking their potential.

Alhaji Ahmed also called on husbands to support their wives in continuing their education after marriage, stating that an educated woman contributes greatly to both national and societal development.

The Director Child Development expressed concern over the increasing number of girls involved in street hawking, describing it as a major threat to their safety and future, warned that this exposes girls to sexual violence, harassment, accidents, kidnapping, and other dangers.

He said, Girls are vulnerable when left unprotected on the streets, saying all Stakeholders must work together to protect their rights and promote their development.

Highlighting the achievements of women in leadership roles both locally and internationally, including the former Vice President of the United States, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, and female leaders in Nigeria’s federal and state governments, Alhaji Ahmed encouraged girls to dream big and aspire to leadership positions.

Both officials reaffirmed the state government’s resolve under Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad to invest in the education and empowerment of girls as a critical step toward sustainable development.