The Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar llI has debunked claims that the northern elites are responsible for the high number of out-of-school children in the region, attributing the issue instead to poverty and a lack of understanding about the importance of education.
Speaking at the Traditional and Religious Leaders’ Conference on the Education of the Girl Child, held recently in Bauchi, the Sultan described such allegations as both false and mischievous.
The event which was organized by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) is in collaboration with the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development (SFPD).
The Sultan firmly rejected notions that Islam opposes girl-child education or that the elites intentionally prevent girls from being educated to perpetuate male dominance.
“Those saying we don’t want the girl child to rise are completely wrong,” he said. “It is not education that is the problem but how it is being carried out. Poverty and ignorance remain the greatest obstacles to educating our children, particularly girls.”
He explained that Islam encourages education, stating, “Islam promotes girl-child education because an educated woman is the foundation of a successful family and society. Without education, how will people worship Almighty Allah correctly?”
The Sultan attributed the challenges to a lack of resources, explaining that many families cannot afford school uniforms, books, or fees.
This, he noted, is why millions of children remain out of school, especially in northern Nigeria.
“If education is to be free and compulsory, governments at all levels must take responsibility. Parents who are struggling to feed their families cannot be expected to bear the full cost of education,” he added.
The Sultan also called on northern governors, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the issue.
He urged leaders to ensure that infrastructure, quality teachers, and adequate funding are prioritized.
“Whenever I see governors building schools, I commend them because these structures are essential. But we must also focus on hiring real teachers and equipping them with the necessary tools to teach effectively,” he said.
In his remarks, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed who also spoke at the event, reiterated the commitment of northern governors to improving education in the region.
He said that through the North-East Governors’ Forum, leaders have developed strategies to combat poverty and ensure children, particularly girls, stay in school.
“We have adopted a peer review mechanism and are collaborating with the Federal Government under the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to build mega schools and strengthen human capital development,” Mohammed said.
He acknowledged the role of traditional rulers in sensitizing communities about the importance of education.
According to him, the Emir of Bauchi and other traditional leaders have been actively engaging with district and village heads to ensure children are sent back to school.
“This is not just about governance; it is about changing mindsets. We need to address poverty of the mind and culture to bring about real change,” he stated.
Northern elite not responsible for out-of-school children – Sultan of Sokoto
