By Mohammed Umar
Zamfara State Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle has called on members of High Level Women Advocates, HILWA, to intensify efforts in the campaign for the promotion of girl-child education in the country.
Matawalle made the call when he received the National Chairperson of High Level Woman Advocates (HILWA), Madam Azuka Menkiti to a courtesy call at Government House, Gusau Council Chambers.
He stressed that women’s position is exalted and they are saddled with eminent responsibility of inculcating social and moral ethics in the younger ones especially in the area of education because of the critical role they play in building a sound society of knowledge and discipline.
He added that the women’s role was highly needed in the education sector especially in promoting girl- child education and commended HILWA for trying to liberate women through education and empowerment.
He further said that his administration in recognition of the girl-child education has made a significant improvement in girl-child enrollment through the state Universal Basic Education Board.
He maintained that his administration also encourages married women, widows and divorcees to further their education at the school for continuing education which has started to yield positive results in the state.
Matawalle explained that the sum N17.5b would be allocated to educational sector in order to bridge the education shortfall in the state.
He said that over 80 percent of the appropriated fund has been released which made the government to record a lot of progress In education sector.
Earlier in her address, the National Chairperson of HILWA Madam Azuka Menkiti, said UNICEF has recognised Zamfara State Government’s efforts in addressing the situation of out-of- school children through the implementation of the Universal Basic Education Act which made the state enrollment drives more functional and commendable.
She further said that her organisation has noted with appreciation the state of emergency on education sector by Governor Matawalle which recorded progress in education.
Madam Azuka assured UNICEF total commitment to supporting Zamfara State to improve equitable access, learning and strengthened School governance especially in girl- child education.
She also appealed to the governor to consider employing more qualified teachers and invest more on pre-primary education
