By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Bricks Mursten Mattoni Ltd, Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino, has said that investing in the education of girls remains one of the most strategic and impactful ways of securing Nigeria’s future.
Gankino stated this on Saturday in Gombe during the 2026 Annual Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony of Kanadi Academy, where the company awarded university scholarships to seven outstanding pupils under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Girls’ Education Initiative.
According to him, every investment in the education of a girl translates into stronger families, healthier communities and sustainable national development.
“Empowering people, especially our girls, to build their own pathways to growth is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in Nigeria’s future,” he said.
He explained that Bricks Mursten Mattoni’s CSR programme was conceived to address the persistent barriers limiting access to education for girls, noting that available statistics underscore the urgent need for intervention.
Citing figures from the Gombe State Ministry of Education, Gankino said girls’ enrolment currently stands at 44.6 per cent in primary schools, declines to 41.5 per cent at the junior secondary level and further drops to 38.5 per cent in senior secondary schools.
He added that reports by the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme, UNICEF and the World Bank similarly revealed that poverty, insecurity, cultural practices and inadequate educational facilities continue to keep millions of girls out of school across Nigeria.
According to him, another challenge confronting many brilliant female students is the difficulty of securing admission into tertiary institutions despite meeting academic requirements.
“This is the gap our CSR Girls’ Education Initiative seeks to bridge by supporting girls from secondary school through university education and beyond,” he said.
Gankino disclosed that since partnering with Kanadi Academy in 2019, the company has awarded full scholarships to deserving female students, provided sanitary kits and organised mentorship programmes linking beneficiaries with accomplished professional women.
He explained that beneficiaries are selected based primarily on character before academic performance.
“We believe that a disciplined girl with strong values will always strive for academic excellence. Character remains the foundation upon which lasting success is built,” he noted.
Reviewing the programme’s impact, the Bricks Mursten Mattoni boss said more than 13 girls had benefited from the initiative, with six already completing secondary education and progressing to tertiary institutions to study Nursing Sciences, Pharmacy, Mathematics, Peace and Conflict Resolution and other disciplines.
He revealed that one of the programme’s earliest beneficiaries has qualified as a registered nurse, describing the achievement as evidence of the transformative power of sustained educational support.
To further ease the financial burden on beneficiaries, Gankino announced the introduction of a Higher Institution Welfare Stipend Package for female students enrolled in tertiary institutions.
He said the first batch of five beneficiaries had already received the stipend, adding that subsequent beneficiaries would continue to enjoy similar support throughout their academic journey.
The company also recorded a major milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Gombe State University in July 2026 to establish a structured admission pathway for qualified beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme.
He added that discussions with the Federal University Kashere had reached an advanced stage, with both parties working towards concluding a similar partnership.
Gankino further disclosed that the Gombe State Ministry of Education had expressed interest in studying the beneficiary selection model for possible adoption in public schools across the state, while the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development had pledged institutional support for the initiative.
He described the development as a strong indication that a programme that started with one school was gradually influencing educational policy and expanding opportunities for girls across Gombe State.
Commending the scholarship recipients and award winners, he urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to excellence.
“You are not just students; you are barrier-breakers, role models and future leaders.
As you succeed, remember your responsibility to mentor younger girls and advocate for girl-child education in your communities,” he charged.
Looking ahead, Gankino said the company plans to expand the scholarship scheme to additional schools, introduce Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-focused scholarships, strengthen mentorship programmes and intensify advocacy for gender equity in education.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal Four on Quality Education and Goal Five on Gender Equality.
He expressed appreciation to the management and teachers of Kanadi Academy, parents and the Gombe State Government for supporting the initiative.
Quoting former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Gankino concluded: “There is no tool for development more effective than the education of girls.”
“When we educate a girl, we uplift families, strengthen communities and build a more prosperous nation. Together, we are transforming lives and shaping Nigeria’s future, one girl at a time.”
