In Kebbi State, Nigeria, the Emir of Argungu, His Highness Alhaji Samaila Mera has been living to his words and marching them with action. Following His Highnesses assessment of his domain on girls’ education, he discovered that several girls in rural areas do not go to school because there were no schools in the areas. His Highness consulted with members of his emirate and decided to raise funds to expand the school he had earlier built for boys and created a girls’ section with boarding facilities so that girls from villages where there are no schools could be accommodated to enable them attend school there.
This is changing the story of girl’s education in Argungu emirate of Kebbi State. Through his awareness creation and fundraising efforts, the Emir was able to raise eighty million Naira ($270,000) to support girl child education which was used for the infrastructures in the school.
This has made possible the expansion of the existing facilities such as classrooms and accommodation in the primary and secondary school, to host more girls and reduce the risk of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) for students coming from distant locations.
In consultation with the girls, the school has introduced training on Market Relevant Skills starting with a Hair Salon that also offers pedicure, manicure and beautician training. The aim is to ensure that every girl that completes secondary school has in addition a market relevant that will immediately help her to begin to earn income and be a productive member of her community.