By Rakiya A.Muhammad
In Sokoto Northwest Nigeria, millions of girls face an uphill battle. Early marriage often truncates their education, curbing their aspirations and limiting their futures.
In a society known for its deep-rooted customs, where a woman’s role is often defined by her family, the opportunity for education frequently slips away.
However, in a novel approach to this problem, the state government launched the Second Chance programme to educate married women who missed their chance as young girls.
Zahara Haliru, 35, says, “Before I joined the programme, I never attended school because, in my family, females were not allowed to attend school.”
The mother, now a third-year student, is ecstatic knowing she has made remarkable strides.
“Before, I couldn’t even write ABCD ,how much more my clients’ names or their measurements as a tailor. It was hurting my business. Now I can write and read,” she admits
“Education can contribute t business success, which I recently came to understand. We are grateful to the Second Chance Initiative for creating a welcoming space for us.”
Similarly, fourth-grade student Nafisa Aliyu did not have the chance to attend school as a girl.
“I used to get in difficulty whenever I attempted to read or write, but now I know much more.”
A new student at the centre, Khadija Almustapha, was inspired by the school’s students, who are neighbours at home.
“At the end of primary 4, I got married and stopped going to school, but after a while, I felt the desire to pursue further education,” she says,
“The positive effects of the school on my neighbours who were enrolled in the second chance programme motivated me to do the same. You will learn a lot if you come knowing nothing and ensuring you remain focused.”
Course programmes are designed to meet the unique needs of married women.
The school also offers practical skills training, and support networks that empower these women to learn and thrive.
“It is an integrated system because we have those who are seeking a second chance, those who haven’t attended school at all” explains says Professor Mustapha Namaka Director- General Female Education Board,
“We have four Women Continuing Education Centres under the Second Chance initiative spread across the state, each in Tambuwal, Sokoto South, Isa and Gwadabawa. these centres serve as an avenue through which the women build their capacities.”
He adds,” We want to ensure that education becomes accessible to all women, regardless of marital status. “By blending academic knowledge with practical skills, the programme is transforming lives, breaking cycles of poverty, and fostering self-sufficiency.
The Director-General points to the effect of the initiative. “The impact of these Centres for Continuing Education in Sokoto state is very glaring,”
“We can see it because many of those who are given a second chance to pursue their conventional education were able to finish with flying colours, and at the same time, some of them have advanced their studies to a higher level of education.”
These women are reimagining their place in society as they retake their educational opportunities. Their roles have expanded beyond those of mothers and wives to include those of entrepreneurs, leaders, and change agents.
Formerly unschooled girls Hadiza Malami and Nana Asmau Abdullahi are now dedicated educators encouraging their students to pursue their dreams.
The two women not only went on to get their NCEs and degrees after the Second Chance School but also excelled academically due to their dedication and hard work.
The Second Chance programme has created a new reality by transforming those who have benefited from it into positive examples for today’s and tomorrow’s youth.
Even though the school gave them a second chance, Hadiza and Nana Asamau are now making a difference in the lives of others.
Comparing when they were students and as teachers , Hadiza and Asmau observe that there were more students and a wider variety of vocational skills acquisition then than now .
Additionally, they have seen pupils no longer attend school daily. Students, meanwhile, blame the country’s precarious economic circumstances for the soaring transport costs which hinder them from regular school attendance,
Flexibility in education is a cornerstone of the initiative’s success with regular schooling is not an option for many students due to their age.
Another critical lesson learned is the importance of holistic support systems. The initiative recognises that education is intertwined with emotional and social well-being.
Some of the students reveal, at times, they feel overwhelmed balancing studies with their responsibilities at home, but they find ways of coping by seeking wise counsel.
“We know they have a lot of family responsibilities, so we are always very patient with them and show sense of understanding and compassion,” says Juan Ayegbe, a Head of Department at the school
“We counsel and guide them, help them understand the value of education and how to juggle learning with domestic demands, and involve them in the learning process.”
Despite the supportive environment, students may still face pressures that lead them to leave the program, such as economic hardships, family responsibilities, or a lack of motivation.
Nonetheless, the Second Chance Initiative continues to adapt and evolve. It aims to provide education and build a supportive ecosystem that addresses the complexities of students’ lives.
The state government plans to improve the programme.
Chika Murtala Abubakar, component lead for the second-chance education component of the Sokoto State AGILE programme reveals, “We are planning 46 second-chance schools in the state, two per local government. ”
“We intend to consult with the 23 local governments to identify marketable skills because it’s not about learning skills but how marketable they are.”
He adds:” We would implement incentives, such as conditional cash transfers, to help students pursue a second chance education, in light of the high dropout rate that prevents them from regularly attending school.”
To qualify for the conditional cash transfer, he elaborates “you must be a registered student at that school, attend at least 75% of your classes, and be within the eligible age range (i.e., not a girl, as she should be enrolled in the regular school system).”
Sokoto is a shining example of how education may pave the way to a better future. Education is only one aspect of second chance; it also involves recognising women’s rights, their ability, and the boundless opportunities that arise when society accepts equality.