GIRL CHILD EDUCATION, A NECESSITY

Over time immemorial, the concluding stands in some core areas of Nigeria, particularly the increasing figures of northerners who are majorly Islamically oriented and or other culturally and traditionally conscious terrains of Nigeria, has been that the girl-child mirrors the expected domestic responsibilities of the feminine gender. Hence, the need for their enrolment into schools for an equal education just like the male counterpart, is perceived as a waste of time and resources. The rather pessimistic view is that she-the girl-child, is better of and societally appreciated when thoroughly groomed by their mothers to be domesticated in preparation for the lifetime journey of marriage.

Disappointingly, the girl-child education taken lightly, has made the girl-child a vulnerable piece to societal ills ranging from prostitution, diseases such as HIV/AIDS, STDS, VVF , unwanted pregnancies, unhealthy abortion, negligence to self-care and hygiene, human trafficking, drug use and trafficking and other dangerous, degrading and inhumane treatments. 

The limitations of the girl-child towards academic qualifications or none at all, has given rise to the damaging impression it has placed the victims.  In today's world, women that didn't go to school are regarded by the literate and career conscious men as uncivilized progress cripplers, whom when associated with could lead to a disastrous end; bringing progress to a total halt. This impression can be linked to the shallow mindedness and the lacking attentive considerations of families towards the growth of the girl-child educationally. More so, the fear of power has further placed slow attention to the situation thereby given it a more strengthened outlook simply because the male folks fears "dominance" if the girl-child.

Up until now, females who managed to cling to academic qualifications are still not spared in matrimony. Her ranked earnings above the husband's, opens up rounds of misunderstandings. For the man feels manly reduced of responsibilities as long as that remains. In most places in the Nigeria, the girl-child is tactically tabooed to be above men in almost all angles. She is subjectively confined majorly to wifely duties with only the faintest of opportunity after fighting tooth and nail for at least the degree level in the University or other tertiary institution courtesy of the power of the modern era. With reluctant responsibilities from parents, if that goes well, she is placed on a speed dial for marriage immediately after graduation without a chance for a pursue of career. What then becomes of her qualifications and rights of self-expression?

The above mentioned wouldn't have gained such potency if the girl-child forms part of the priorities of parents and the government. As home builders, mothers, care takers, they possess inborn public relations and management qualities which can be formally strengthened if given the chance to soar higher in equals just like the male folks.

By Maryam Idris.