Prosper Okoye
The Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, has identified structural challenges, rather than cultural factors, as the main barrier keeping many girls out of school in Nigeria.
Speaking in a televised interview, Sanusi said the government’s failure to provide schools within accessible distances makes it difficult for families to send their children to school.
“Many communities do not have schools nearby. Those that exist are often at local government headquarters, far from where families live. Girls cannot walk such long distances every day. Transport is often unaffordable, and insecurity makes the journey unsafe,” he said.
Sanusi also highlighted the poor state of schools, even when they are available locally, citing shortages of teachers, learning materials, and basic facilities as factors contributing to high dropout rates.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Emir urged the introduction of early-warning systems to prevent girls from leaving school prematurely. He also raised concerns over poverty-driven early marriages, describing them as a major barrier to education.
Court Sacks Sanusi, Reinstates Ado Bayero As Kano Emir
Jonathan, Sanusi And A Moment In Time
Ganduje Denies Fresh Plot To Dethrone Emir Sanusi
“When parents can no longer afford to keep a child in school, some believe marrying her off is the only way to secure her future,” he said. “This is not protection. It is the loss of a girl’s future.”
The scale of the problem is stark. UNICEF says Nigeria has about 18.5 million children out of school, and 60 % of them are girls — meaning roughly 11 million girls are not enrolled in school, including both primary and secondary ages.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
