Over the past 20 years, female education in Northern Nigeria has made remarkable progress. Two decades ago, the situation was dire. Female literacy was less than 40%, and many girls were kept away from school due to cultural barriers and household responsibilities. Boys were often prioritised, leaving girls at a clear disadvantage in education and in life.
Today, the story is changing. More girls are enrolling in schools, and government initiatives like the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme and the Strategy for the Acceleration of Girls’ Education in Nigeria have opened doors that were once closed. Non-governmental organisations, community campaigns, and growing awareness among parents have also contributed to this shift.
The results are inspiring. Girls from the region are not only staying in school but excelling globally. For example, Nafisa Abdullahi, a 17-year-old from Yobe, outshone students from 69 countries to win the TeenEagle Global Finals in London. Similarly, Maryam Bukar Hassan, known as Alhanislam, became the United Nations’ first-ever global advocate for peace. These are not just personal victories; they represent the untapped potential of millions of Northern girls if given the chance.
But the journey is far from over. Despite the progress, cultural resistance, poverty, and insecurity still hold back many girls. Stakeholders — government, communities, and religious leaders — must continue to prioritise and invest in female education. When girls are educated, they uplift their families, strengthen communities, and enrich the future of the entire nation.
Northern Nigeria cannot afford to leave half its population behind. Empowering girls is not charity; it is the foundation for peace, development, and progress.
Fatima Ibrahim Shaffi’i
Department of Mass Communication,
University of Maiduguri.
