The Niger State Government has issued a stern warning to parents and guardians against withdrawing their female children from secondary schools for early and forced marriages.
The government stated that existing laws will be strengthened to safeguard the rights of girls in the state.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hadiza Asabe Mohammad, gave the warning during an advocacy visit to Kuso Ndalikali village in Lavun Local Government to address the concerning issues of forceful marriages and the dropout of female students from school.
While emphasising the transformative power of education in unlocking opportunities and breaking the cycle of poverty, the commissioner stressed the importance of allowing girls to reach their full potential. She highlighted the detrimental effects of early marriage on the lives of young girls.
“The alarming rate of coercing young girls into early marriages while they are still pursuing their education calls for deep concern. They should be allowed to reach their full potentials,” she said.
Mohammad disclosed plans to reinforce the enforcement of existing laws and policies that protect the rights of female children. This initiative aims to ensure the safety and well-being of young girls in the state.
During engagements with parents, community leaders, and students in Kuso Ndalikali village, the commissioner urged them to actively support the education of female children.
She assured them of the ministry’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for teaching and learning based on their requests to the government.
Sharing success stories of girls who have excelled academically, the commissioner called on parents, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to collaborate in ending harmful practices.
The commissioner was accompanied by the Director-General of Educational Reforms, Hajiya Maimuna Muhammed, directors from the ministry, and representatives of the child’s rights agency of the state.
