Kaduna: If Condoms Are Free, Pads Should Be Too — says Experts

Medical expert, Dr. Abuh Raymond and Sumayyah Muhammad Sani have said that young girls deserve to be offered free sanitary pads to enhance hygiene just same way condoms are often freely distributed for sexual protection and safety.

The doctor and his co-coordinator made this known on Thursday in Kaduna while keeping the media abreast of the launching of the “Pad the Girl Initiative”, a groundbreaking program designed to promote health, dignity, and empowerment among young women, by the government of Kaduna State.

The initiative seen as the first in the history of the State and Northern Nigeria, the State Government “under the visionary, people-oriented, and compassionate leadership of Senator Dr. Uba Sani, the governor, reflects a bold, inclusive, and modern approach to governance. Governor Uba Sani has once again demonstrated that true leadership listens, cares, and takes decisive steps to uplift the most vulnerable, especially young girls,” the doctors said.

The initiative, which commenced on 20th September at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is expected to provide free sanitary pads and menstrual health education to over 40,000 female students across tertiary institutions in the State.

According to the doctors, menstrual health remains one of the least discussed yet most pressing challenges for girls in Nigeria. Many young women are forced to miss classes or even drop out of school due to lack of access to sanitary pads. By making pads freely available, Governor Uba Sani is not just meeting a health need, but breaking barriers to education, restoring dignity, and advancing gender equality.

“This initiative is a practical demonstration of the Governor’s belief that if condoms can be distributed free in the interest of public health, sanitary pads must also be free in the interest of women’s health and dignity,” they noted.

Beyond menstrual health, Governor Uba Sani has consistently prioritized programs that empower the girl child. His administration has expanded scholarships for female students in STEM fields, strengthened laws against gender-based violence, promoted digital skills training for young women, and supported vocational programs that give girls sustainable livelihoods. Each of these efforts is seen as reflecting a comprehensive vision for women’s empowerment, one that combines education, safety, and opportunity.

Directed and coordinated by Dr. Raymond and Sumayyah, who are the coordinators of the “Pad the Girl” Initiative and UBA Ambassadors Network, the program is seen as a historic step toward a future where “no girl in Kaduna State is denied education or dignity because of her gender.”

According to the coordinators, “this landmark intervention is more than a welfare program, it is a declaration that women’s health and dignity matter.

Governor Uba Sani’s leadership is rewriting the narrative for Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria, ensuring equity and empowerment for the next generation.

“Kudos to His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Kaduna’s young women and girls. His leadership is truly making a difference.”