By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, has called on national and international stakeholders to intensify efforts toward safeguarding the girl-child education, safety, and security.
Dangyatin made the call shortly after a mock parliamentary session conducted by female students in Dutse to mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.
He emphasized that the education and well-being of girls remain central to sustainable development but are increasingly threatened by war, political crises, communal conflicts, and other disruptions that have displaced families and forced the closure of schools across the world.
The Speaker assured that the Assembly would continue to enact laws that promote access to education, economic empowerment, safety, and child protection.
“We supported the allocation of 32 per cent of the 2024 budget and 26 per cent of the 2025 budget to education. This investment is already improving learning outcomes, reducing the number of out-of-school children, and expanding access to education for every child, regardless of social, economic, or geographical background,” Dangyatin stated.
He described the children’s parliament as “inspiring,” adding:
“We hosted girls from different schools who held a parliamentary session. They shared their concerns, and we hope that one day this Honourable House will be chaired by a female Speaker.”
During the session, the young parliamentarians appealed to the state government to establish digital learning centres in all local government areas to enhance access to technology and improve education delivery.
They commended the government’s policy of providing free education for girls from primary to university level, noting that the commitment of Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s administration gives them hope for a brighter future.
The students pledged to make the most of the opportunities provided and to remain committed to their studies.