From Mustapha Saye, Kaduna
Kano State has adopted new guidelines to help married adolescent girls and adolescent mothers return to school, making it the first state in Nigeria to implement such a policy.
The Kano State Guidelines on the Re-entry to Education for Married Adolescent Girls and Adolescent Mothers were validated and signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Education during a two-day workshop in Kano.
The policy was developed by the State Ministry of Education in collaboration with ACE Charity, with support from Malala Fund and other development partners.
According to the statement issued by the Senior Programme Manager Hassana Shuaibu stated that the framework responds to research across Kano’s three senatorial districts which found that early marriage is a leading cause of school dropout among girls.
Despite 99% of married adolescents surveyed saying they want to continue learning, many face financial constraints, socio-cultural barriers, and structural challenges that block access to education.
To address this, the Guidelines introduce flexible learning options, re-enrolment pathways, and targeted support mechanisms for young mothers.
Provisions were shaped directly by consultations with married girls and adolescent mothers, whose lived experiences informed the final document.
“The government is committed to inclusive education and to ensuring no girl child is left behind,” the Commissioner for Education said at the event.
The policy outlines strategic actions on access and re-enrolment, learning support, coordination between agencies, and sustainable financing. It also assigns clear roles to government bodies, communities, and partners for implementation.
Government officials, education stakeholders, community leaders, and civil society groups attended the validation workshop, where they reviewed the draft and agreed on implementation strategies.
Stakeholders pledged to support the rollout through community sensitization, school system strengthening, and improved support services.
Advocates say the milestone marks a significant step toward a more inclusive education system in Kano, giving married girls and adolescent mothers a pathway to learn and reach their full potential
