By Mariam Abeeb
The Kano State Ministry of Education, in collaboration with ACE Charity, supported by Malala Fund, along with other key stakeholders and development partners, has successfully validated and adopted the Kano State Guidelines on the Re-entry to Education for Married Adolescent Girls and Adolescent Mothers.
The two-day Validation and Adoption Workshop brought together government officials, education stakeholders, community leaders, and representatives of civil society to review and endorse the framework, which seeks to address the barriers that prevent married girls from continuing their education and strengthening the non-formal education pathways.
The development of the Guidelines was informed by extensive research conducted across the three senatorial districts in the state which revealed that early marriage remains a leading cause of school dropout among girls.
The research also showed that while 99% of married adolescents want to continue learning, they face additional challenges including financial constraints, socio cultural barriers and structural barriers that prevent their access and the quality of education they receive.
Importantly, the Guidelines reflects the lived experiences of married girls and adolescent mothers, whose voices were incorporated through consultations and community engagements.
Their insights shaped key provisions of the policy, including flexible learning options, re-enrolment pathways, and support mechanisms to enable girls to return to and remain in school.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Education emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive education and ensuring that no girl child is left behind.
The Kano State Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Haruna Ali Makoda, disclosed after he endorsed a document on Married Adolescent Girls and Adolescent mother Advocacy by ACE Charity, with support from the Malala Fund.
Dr. Haruna Ali said the Kano State Government has earmarked a substantial amount in the 2026 budget to strengthen the education sector, with particular focus on expanding access for girls and vulnerable groups.
According to him, the initiative aligns with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s agenda to revitalize education at all levels from basic to tertiary through increased funding, infrastructure development, teacher training, and scholarship programs.
He commended ACE Charity and the Malala Fund for their sustained advocacy and partnership in promoting girl-child education and addressing the challenges faced by married adolescent girls.
He added that the state would continue to collaborate with development partners and civil society organizations to ensure no child is left behind.
“We are determined to make Kano a model for inclusive and quality education in Nigeria. Investing in our adolescents, especially girls, is investing in the future of our state, Makoda stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior programme Manager of ACE charity Dr Hassana Shuaibu said education is a right, not a privilege
Adding that the endorsement of ACE document with Kano state government convened teachers, religious leaders, health workers, government officials, and the girls themselves must joined hand together to ensure fully implementation of the working document as this will go along way to dealt with challenges which posed a serious danger
She said those voices shaped the National Guidelines Document a yellow-bound booklet now signed by stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Education.
The document is practical, not poetic adding that It sets out clear steps how a married girl can re-enroll without stigma, how schools must provide safe spaces for young mothers, how consent and cost-tracking will protect girls from being turned away.
She explained that Policy must become practice in every classroom.
She explained that the signed document is proof that when we put married adolescents and adolescent mothers at the center.
