A non-governmental organisation, Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI), has commended the Kano State government for prioritising girls’ education in its developmental and intervention projects.
The founder of the NGO and Malala fund education champion, Sani Muhammad, described it as a step towards improving infrastructure and service delivery ins key sectors,t notably, education.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the state at its 29th council meeting under the leadership of Governor Abba Yusuf, approved N3 billion for the renovation of 13 boarding schools earlier shut down by the previous administration; N1.2 billion for the renovation of dilapidated structures in Government Technical College, Dambatta, Government Technical College, Ungogo, Government Girls Secondary School, Balan Tsanyawaand Government Secondary School, Guringawa among others.
Muhammad said the organisation’s recent engagements with communities and stakeholders have consistently highlighted the lack of safe, accessible, and functional school facilities as a major barrier to girls’ enrolment and retention in Kano State.
“In light of this, we are elated to see the allocation of funds for the renovation of key educational institutions.
“This allocation not only represents an infrastructure upgrade, but it also shows the government’s growing commitment to removing barriers to girls’ education and creating a learning environment for girls.
“This development aligns with the continuous advocacy efforts we have carried out over the past year through our BAGE (Bridging Access to Girls’ Education) Project, supported by the Malala Fund. Through this initiative, we have worked closely with stakeholders across the state to advance gender-responsive education budgeting (GREB) in Kano.
“We are encouraged to see that these advocacy efforts are not in vain. The government’s decision to invest directly in girls’ schools is a clear signal that the voices from these engagements are being heard and acted upon.
“While we celebrate this progress, we also want to reiterate our continued commitment to providing technical support to the Kano State Government in shaping inclusive and gender-responsive education policies and ensuring that these approvals are effectively implemented and translate into visible, lasting improvements in the lives of girls across the state,” he stated.
