By Nura Bello Suleiman
Sokoto
The National Coalition of Civil Society to End Child Marriage in Nigeria (NCCSEM), Sokoto State Chapter, has called for greater support for girls’ education and an end to child marriage.
The coalition made the call on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during a school sensitization programme held at Hafsatu Ahmadu Bello Arabic Secondary School, Sokoto, to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child Education.
The theme of the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child Education was “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
The sensitization programme was aimed at promoting girls’ education, raising awareness about the dangers of child marriage, protecting girls’ rights, and encouraging students to develop their educational potential and leadership skills.
In his remarks, the Sokoto State Focal Person of the coalition, Dr. Hassan Ibn Attahir, addressed the students on the importance of education as a foundation for personal growth, self-reliance, and future success.
He encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies, overcome educational challenges, and understand that education provides opportunities to achieve their ambitions and contribute to community development.
Also speaking, the North-West Representative and member of the National Steering Committee of the coalition, Mustapha Ahmad Muhammad, highlighted the importance of investing in education, particularly girls’ education.
He urged the students to be disciplined, determined, and committed to learning, emphasizing the need for parents, teachers, and community members to support girls in realizing their dreams and completing their education for the benefit of society.
The facilitators also discussed the negative consequences of forced marriage, particularly its impact on girls’ education, personal development, and future opportunities. The students were encouraged to value their education and understand their rights.
In their separate remarks, Barrister Maryam Attahir, a girl-child advocate and member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and Miss Safiya Ahmad Jekada of PCSDI, Sokoto, addressed the female students on the importance of education, personal development, and future leadership.
Maryam and Safiya emphasized that education empowers girls with knowledge, confidence, and the skills needed to make informed decisions and contribute positively to society. They encouraged the students to take their studies seriously and remain committed to achieving their academic goals.
They also urged the students to develop good study habits, set clear goals, manage their time effectively, and build essential leadership skills, including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and decision-making.
In a vote of thanks, the school’s Principal, Hajiya Amina Musa Yusuf, represented by the Vice Principal Academic, Malam Aminu Oro, thanked the coalition for organizing the sensitization programme.
He assured the organizers of the school’s commitment to partnering with any organization willing to contribute to the development of education, particularly girls’ education, in Sokoto State.
Some of the students also expressed their ambitions to become professionals and contribute positively to society. Their aspirations reflected their desire to pursue education, achieve their dreams, and build successful futures.
The students’ contributions demonstrated the importance of providing girls with opportunities to learn, develop their talents, build confidence, and prepare for future responsibilities.
The interactive session reinforced the importance of girls’ education as a fundamental right and a pathway to a better future. It also raised awareness about how child marriage can disrupt education and limit girls’ opportunities.
The programme further encouraged the students to develop leadership skills, including confidence, communication, critical thinking, and decision-making, while inspiring them to set clear goals, maintain positive study habits, and remain focused on their ambitions.
The coalition called for continued collaboration among parents, schools, civil society organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders to protect girls’ rights, prevent child marriage, and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to complete her education and reach her full potential.
