In a bid to promote girls’ education, a growing awareness of the crucial role fathers play in supporting their daughters’ education has been highlighted.
Experts say that when fathers actively support their daughters’ education, it leads to better academic performance, higher graduation rates, and increased opportunities for success in life.
Speaking to our correspondent, Mr Usman Musa, a father of five girls and one boy, emphasised the importance of fathers’ involvement in their daughters’ education.
“As a father, it is my responsibility to ensure that my daughters receive a quality education. I encourage them to study hard, attend school regularly, and pursue their dreams,” he said. “By supporting their education, I am helping to secure their future and empower them to become independent and successful women.”
“All my daughters are graduates, with two holding postgraduate degrees. My son is also a graduate,” Musa added.
Experts recommend that fathers can support their daughters’ education in various ways, including providing financial assistance, offering emotional support and encouragement, and actively participating in their academic journey.
However, despite the importance of their role, many fathers still face challenges in actively supporting their daughters’ education. Some lack awareness about the benefits of girls’ education, while others face cultural or societal barriers that discourage their involvement.
Saidu Damina, a low-income earner, highlighted his different approach to educating his sons and daughters.
He sends his sons to senior secondary school and then encourages them to start their own businesses, which they fund themselves.
In contrast, his daughters complete primary school and are often married off shortly after. “If their husbands support them, they may continue their education, but many do not,” he added due to pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare responsibilities.
According to Damina, the culture allows this practice, which he does not have a problem with.
Afiniki Shehu, a mother of four girls, shared her insights on the joint responsibility of parents in raising their children. According to her, while her husband covers the cost of school fees, she is responsible for the non-academic aspects of their children’s education, such as preparing their lunch boxes.
Some girls who spoke to our reporter expressed their gratitude to their fathers for their support. Aishatu Umar and Habiba Kuna, who recently completed their secondary education and plan to pursue nursing and pharmacy degrees at the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare and Gombe State University respectively, said that their fathers were fully supportive of their education.
“It is also heartening to note that some of our peers who got married before completing their secondary education were promised continuation of their education but never followed through. As a result, we will not be swayed by the culture of early marriage, “they said.
The Gombe State Commissioner of Education, Dr Aishatu Maigari, emphasised the importance of fathers in shaping the future of their daughters.
“Fathers play a vital role in shaping the future of their daughters, and by supporting their education, they contribute to building a brighter tomorrow for the community,” Maigari added.
According to her, if a father prioritises the education of all his children without showing preference to their gender, it is likely that the girl-child will be enrolled, retained, and complete her education, ultimately becoming an expert in her chosen field.
