A female educationist, Dr. Hafsat Yakub of Government College Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria has enjoined girls to use the opportunity of free and compulsory education in the State, to go to school to acquire knowledge and skills.
Dr.Hafsat was addressing students of some secondary schools, as part of events to commemorate the 2020 International Women’s Day with the theme “Each for Equal” .
It was organised by the Rise Up project, an advocacy group on policy formulation and adoption of free and compulsory education for girls in public secondary schools across the Kaduna State being implemened by Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF .
The RiseUp project is funded by the Public Health Institute of JohnHopkins University with support from Cummins Inc.
Dr. Hafsat told the students that religion and culture do not limit the girl child in the pursuit of better future.
Using herself as an example, the educationist said she was like the students but with zeal and determination, she is presently the HOD Science and Chartered Chemist
On her part, Program Officer of Hope Builders Foundation, Amina Batuk told the girls that, they must have a story to tell and their stories start now and not tomorrow .
She encouraged them to write good stories of themselves that will have positive inpact on them in future.
Also speaking ,the Rise Up project Advocacy Coordinator, Sekyen Dadik told the girls that , as individuals, they could play their part to bring out collective good as girls, ladies and women for the good of the society.
” We are not rubbing shoulders with men but need opportunities to be who we want to be. We are here to encourage you as young ladies to contribute your quota, it depends on what we do with the opportunities given us”, She remarked.
In their separate addresses, Principals of the two schools, GSS U/Muazu and GSS U/Boro , all in the State capital where the commemorative event was held, said they were appreciative of the sensitisation efforts of the advocacy group saying that it would help in encouraging the girl child to acquire education without hindrance.
During the sessions, the girls asked questions on how they could become professionals including teachers, lawyers, doctors, military among others.
Earlier, the RiseUp project Manager, Mr. Benjamin Maigari and Project Communication Officer, Hannatu Musa Mato had spoken of the aims and objectives of the project and why they were in the schools to commemorate the International Women’s Day with the students