The Education Champion Network (ECN) of the Malala Fund has called on the Kano State Government to allocate at least 15 per cent of its capital expenditure to girl-child education in order to improve learning conditions for girls.
Beyond increased funding, the group also emphasized the need to recruit more female teachers, provide adequate sanitary facilities, and ensure safer school environments to boost enrolment of girls in public schools across the state.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement on girl-child education financing in Kano, ECN Project Policy and Research Analyst, Ibukunolu James, revealed that data shows less than five per cent has been allocated to capital expenditure for girl-child education in the state since 2023.
She explained that the ECN initiative, supported by the Malala Fund in collaboration with BudgIT, is focused on engaging key stakeholders to influence government policies and improve investment in girl-child education.
James noted that the project also seeks to mobilize community and religious leaders to advocate for better infrastructure and access to educational resources that will encourage more girls to attend school.
She stressed the importance of shifting from mere budget allocation to actual implementation, adding that the engagement aims to ensure that government increases funding to at least 15 per cent for girl-child education.
According to her, stakeholders are expected to raise awareness about the gaps in education financing, as governments may not always be fully informed about the extent of the challenges.
She added that the next phase of the initiative will involve engaging School-Based Management Committees, organizing town hall meetings, and consulting widely within the education sector to drive meaningful change.
In her remarks, the Head of Research and Policy Advisory, Adejoke Akinbode, stated that the ECN project is being implemented across several states including Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, and Oyo, with a focus on tracking budget performance and accountability in girl-child education.
She explained that the initiative promotes gender-responsive education financing and advocates for legislative backing to strengthen policies that support girls’ education.
Akinbode further highlighted that the project is working to address barriers preventing girls—especially those in rural and conflict-affected areas—from accessing education, including challenges such as early marriage and teenage pregnancy.
Participants at the engagement, including traditional rulers, community leaders, religious representatives, and government officials, expressed their support for the initiative and pledged commitment to advancing quality education for the girl-child in Kano State.
