The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved a new policy on gender in education aimed at addressing barriers to school enrolment, retention and learning outcomes, particularly among adolescent girls and other vulnerable groups.
Commissioner of Information Youth Support and Culture, Hon. Sagir Musa Ahmad disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of state executive council meeting.
He said that the policy, known as the Jigawa State Policy on Gender in Education and its Implementation Guidelines, is expected to promote equal access to quality education for all children, irrespective of gender or socio-economic background.
He explained that the approval is part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen the education sector and ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to acquire quality education.
According to him, "The policy was developed with support from the Jigawa State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project.
"It seeks to address socio-cultural barriers and harmful practices that prevent children, especially adolescent girls, from accessing and completing their education."
The initiative is also expected to strengthen institutional capacity, encourage community participation and improve collaboration among government agencies, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, parents and other stakeholders.
"The policy aligns with Nigeria’s national education priorities and global commitments to inclusive education and gender equality.
" It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 on quality education and Goal 5 on gender equality."
The commissioner said that the policy would provide a framework for promoting inclusive and equitable education across Jigawa State.
Jigawa approves gender education policy to boost girls’ school enrolment