The Malala Fund has called on the Kaduna State Government to bolster re-entry policies that enable married girls and adolescent mothers to return to school, emphasizing their potential to contribute meaningfully to society. This appeal was made by Ms. Nabila Aguele, the Chief Executive of the Malala Fund in Nigeria, during a visit to the Centre for Girls’ Education (CGE) in Zaria, Kaduna State. The visit, which followed the fund’s inaugural global board meeting held in Nigeria, aimed to foster direct engagement with grassroots partners working to advance girls’ education.
Aguele underscored the importance of being on the ground to witness the impact of programs firsthand. “When you are partnering with organizations and advocating for girls’ education, you must be on the ground to see and experience the safe spaces, talk to the girls, their mentors, and teachers,” she said. During the visit, the Malala Fund team met with adolescent mothers in safe spaces who have faced significant challenges, including child marriage and gender-based violence, yet remain hopeful about resuming their education. Aguele stressed that policies must be designed to guarantee this hope, ensuring that these girls are not left behind.
The Malala Fund, which has been active in Nigeria for a decade, supports 29 local organizations, including the Centre for Girls’ Education in Zaria. Aguele highlighted the alarming statistic that Nigeria accounts for over 22 million girls married before the age of 18, the highest number in West and Central Africa. Many of these girls are already mothers, and their lack of access to education has far-reaching consequences. She warned that the education gap perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage, noting that children of unschooled mothers are less likely to attend school themselves. This gap, she argued, poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s long-term development.
“Education delays early marriage, improves health outcomes, boosts GDP, and creates better choices for families,” Aguele said. “If we ignore these girls, we risk Nigeria’s development future.” She emphasized that investing in girls’ education is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. Educated girls are more likely to make informed decisions, contribute to their communities, and break the cycle of poverty. By ensuring that married girls and adolescent mothers can return to school, the government can unlock their potential to drive progress in Kaduna State and beyond.
Aguele also highlighted the Malala Fund’s efforts to promote gender-responsive budgeting in the education sector. She argued that policymaking must reflect the voices and realities of girls in their communities, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to address their unique needs. Gender-responsive budgeting, she explained, involves analyzing budgets to ensure they address gender inequalities, particularly in education, where girls often face disproportionate barriers. By prioritizing the needs of girls in policy decisions, the government can create an enabling environment for them to thrive.
Habiba Mohammed, the Executive Director of the Centre for Girls’ Education, provided insight into the organization’s impact in Kaduna State. Since 2016, CGE’s safe space program has reached over 200,000 girls, offering them critical resources and support. These safe spaces provide a holistic approach to empowerment, equipping girls with life skills, vocational training, reproductive health education, nutrition guidance, climate change awareness, and strategies to address gender-based violence. The program also focuses on married adolescent girls, working closely with their husbands, parents, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to facilitate their re-entry into formal education.
“We want every girl, including married adolescents, to have lifelong learning so that even after 12 years of schooling, they continue to grow,” Mohammed said. The safe space model is designed to be inclusive, recognizing that married girls and adolescent mothers face unique challenges that require tailored interventions. By engaging community leaders and families, CGE ensures that these girls receive the support they need to pursue their education and build a brighter future.
During the visit, several girls who have benefited from the safe space program shared their stories, expressing gratitude to CGE and the Malala Fund for transforming their lives. Maimuna Muhammad, a married participant, explained how the program had empowered her to identify and respond to gender-based violence. “Joining the safe space helped me understand how to take care of myself and my baby,” she said. Maimuna’s testimony highlights the program’s role in fostering self-reliance and self-awareness among girls, enabling them to navigate complex social challenges with confidence.
The visit was led by Malala Fund co-founder Ziauddin Yousafzai, alongside Aguele, and included board members and international colleagues. The delegation interacted with safe space mentors and girls at the Bizara and Dambo communities in Zaria, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and aspirations of the participants. These interactions underscored the importance of grassroots partnerships in driving systemic change and ensuring that girls’ voices are heard in the fight for education equity.
The Malala Fund’s work in Nigeria aligns with its global mission to ensure that every girl has access to 12 years of free, safe, and quality education. By supporting local organizations like CGE, the fund is helping to create sustainable solutions that address the root causes of educational exclusion. In Kaduna State, where cultural and economic barriers often prevent girls from completing their education, these efforts are particularly critical.
The call for stronger re-entry policies comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria, where the education crisis disproportionately affects girls. According to UNESCO, Nigeria is home to one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, with girls making up a significant portion of this group. Factors such as early marriage, poverty, and gender-based violence exacerbate the problem, trapping girls in a cycle of disadvantage. By prioritizing re-entry policies, the Kaduna State Government has an opportunity to address these systemic issues and create a more inclusive education system.
The Malala Fund’s advocacy also highlights the need for collaboration between government, civil society, and community stakeholders. By working together, these groups can develop policies and programs that address the specific needs of married girls and adolescent mothers, ensuring that they are not excluded from educational opportunities. This collaborative approach is essential for creating lasting change and empowering girls to reach their full potential.
As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of achieving universal education, the Malala Fund’s work serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education. By investing in girls, the country can unlock significant social and economic benefits, from improved health outcomes to increased economic productivity. The stories of girls like Maimuna demonstrate the resilience and determination of young women who, with the right support, can overcome barriers and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
In conclusion, the Malala Fund’s visit to Zaria underscores the urgent need for policies that enable married girls and adolescent mothers to return to school. By strengthening re-entry policies, promoting gender-responsive budgeting, and supporting grassroots initiatives like the Centre for Girls’ Education, the Kaduna State Government can take meaningful steps toward gender equity in education. These efforts are not only a matter of justice but also a critical investment in Nigeria’s future. As Aguele emphasized, ignoring these girls risks undermining the country’s development potential, while empowering them can pave the way for a more prosperous and equitable society.
