Islam is not against girl-child education – Sultan
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has reiterated that Islam advocates for the education of girls, highlighting its significance in fostering societal progress.
During his address at the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Bauchi, which was organized by the Ministry of Education with support from the World Bank, the Sultan urged a transformation of the social and cultural practices that obstruct girls’ education, especially in the northeastern region.
The event, themed “Overcoming Social and Cultural Norms on Girl Education in the North East Zone: Roles of Traditional and Religious Leaders,” focused on the challenges faced in promoting education for girls.
“Islam does not oppose the education of girls,” the Sultan emphasized. “The crucial aspect is to raise awareness about its significance. Educating girls empowers them to contribute positively to society, support themselves, their families, and their communities, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.”
Additionally, the Sultan urged governors in the northern region to prioritize educational funding to tackle this issue. He expressed concern over the sight of children selling goods during school hours and underscored the necessity of ensuring that every child has access to formal education.