How insecurity destroyed girl-child education in Northern Nigeria — History professor

Professor Zara Emmanuel Kwaghe, a lecturer in the Department of History and International Relations at the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, speaks with COLLINS AGWAM about the increasing instances of rape involving minors, domestic violence, kidnapping, and various other issues.

Would you mind sharing a bit about your professional background?

I’m Zara Emmanuel Kwaghe of the Department of History and International Studies at the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State. I am a Professor of Social History and I lecture in the History Department at the Federal University of Lafia.

As a Professor of History and International Relations can you share some of your academic contributions and the challenges you’ve encountered along the way?

Well, I didn’t start teaching at the University at the Federal University of Lafia. I started teaching at the Adamawa State University located in Mubi. While teaching in Mubi, I contributed immensely to community service and research. I taught there for over 10 years before moving to the Federal University of Lafia.

I had to leave Mubi because of the Boko Haram problems. Then I got a job with the Federal University of Lafia and continued my research and community service, lecturing and reaching out to many other people, especially young women to help them to grow.

So what are the notable challenges that you have faced over the years?

Certainly, there have been challenges, yet with the help of God, I’ve managed to navigate through most of them. Some of these challenges revolved around the lecturing process, particularly ensuring that students not only comprehend the lecture but also extend their learning beyond the confines of the classroom, especially concerning their lifestyle choices and the cultivation of a meaningful way of life.

This is imperative because often, I encounter students from diverse backgrounds. Consequently, I find myself tasked with how to impact their lives. Many of these students heed the advice and guidance. Consequently, they become better individuals and contribute positively to society.

Today, I take pride in witnessing the transformation of numerous students across the country, many of whom have overcome their initial circumstances upon entering the university. Some were entangled in various vices initially, yet through continuous counseling and mentorship, they have undergone significant personal growth.

Unlike most lecturers who deliver their lectures and depart, I believe in going the extra mile and recognising the potential for growth in each student. I often see reflections of myself in them, fostering a desire to nurture their potential further. These challenges stem from the diverse backgrounds and upbringing of the students. Yet, despite these obstacles, I try to serve as a parental figure, guiding them toward personal and academic excellence. Today, I’m happy to be addressed by many of them as ‘Mother.’

How would you assess the government’s efforts in educating the girl child?

As I stated in my inaugural lecture, women have made considerable progress, and so have children, including girls, since independence. However, if you examine the educational landscape, various regions have different stories and histories. In the southern part of Nigeria, there is a marked increase in girls’ enrolment compared to the north. Admission rates in the South are no longer skewed in favour of males; rather, boys are now exiting the educational system at a higher rate than girls.

However, the northern region, particularly the northeast, presents a different picture, with the girl child lagging in education. Historical differences and regional variations significantly impact educational outcomes for girls and women in the North. Nevertheless, despite some parents still prioritising education, the insurgency in the northwest and northeast has made it difficult for them. Instances of girls’ abduction from schools prevent parents from sending their daughters to schools. That’s why some resort to marrying off their daughters or engaging them in street hawking.

This bad situation is reflected in the alarming number of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria. During my inaugural lecture, I cited United Nations data highlighting the prevalence of girls dropping out, especially between the first and sixth years of primary schooling. The primary causes of this are insurgency, insecurity, and terrorism, all of which negatively affect girls’ education in the northern region of Nigeria.

Do you think the government is actually making efforts to ensure educational opportunities for the girl-child?

If you examine our history, you’ll see that the government has policies stipulating that everyone should receive an education, regardless of gender. So, the policy exists. However, as I mentioned, the main challenge lies in the northern part of the country, primarily because the government hasn’t been able to curb terrorism and insurgency. This, undoubtedly, affects girls’ education. If security concerns were addressed, all children, particularly girls, would attend school. It appears that the government is struggling to take needed action.

For instance, in Borno State, where these issues originated and where Boko Haram wreaked havoc on numerous communities, the government has been striving to ensure the return of girls to school and families to their hometowns, from which they were displaced by Boko Haram militants. Governor Zulum has been proactive in this regard. However, the people are still afraid that Boko Haram militants may return at any moment, hindering their return to their homes. Moreover, some homes are still under the occupation of terrorists.

Thus, it would be incorrect to say that the government is inactive in addressing this challenge. However, more concerted efforts are required to overcome the security hurdle.

Yet, it’s essential to remember that the government comprises individuals, and policy formulation requires active participation from the populace advocating for change. Therefore, we must all advocate for and promote girl-child education, especially in households where parents prevent their daughters from attending school.

The government’s policy states that every child in Nigeria should receive an education, irrespective of gender. Hence, the pertinent questions are: What actions are taken against parents who stop their daughters’ education? Are they held accountable? What are the obstacles these parents face, and how are they addressed? These are fundamental questions that the government should examine and resolve.

What is your thought on the claim that women hinder their own progress in politics because they do not support themselves and also due to their limited participation?

It is not correct to say that women are their own enemies. What are the challenges impeding women’s full participation in politics? These are the issues we should initially examine and address. Without impediments, women would not simply remain passive in politics. For instance, poverty disproportionately affects women and children, leading to a feminisation of poverty in our country. Therefore, only a small fraction of women possess the financial means to pursue political office. Politics in Nigeria is an expensive endeavour. Moreover, even when women do step forward, they often lack the necessary support from those who should champion their cause.

This is primarily due to our cultural norms, which dictate that women should not engage in politics but rather focus on homemaking duties. While acknowledging the importance of women’s roles in the household, it is important to stress that a society cannot thrive when only one gender dictates decisions for all. Both men and women should be encouraged to participate in governance.

Therefore, it is unfair to label women as their own enemies when they have not been adequately empowered to engage in political processes.

Furthermore, the nature of politics in Nigeria is also an issue. There is no regard for merit. Meritocracy often takes a backseat to financial influence, with candidates chosen based on their ability to provide monetary incentives rather than their qualifications and capacity to deliver. Until our society prioritises education and re-education on the principles of merit-based politics, irrespective of gender, this trend will continue. So, women cannot be blamed for their underrepresentation in politics.

Domestic violence has remained a pressing issue in the country, what do you think are its root causes, and what solutions would you propose to address it?

Domestic violence also represents gender-based violence. That is why when discussing gender-based violence, it is not exclusively targeted at one gender but affects both males and females. Research, however, indicates a higher prevalence of abuse against women, leading many to erroneously perceive gender-based violence as solely impacting women. In reality, it affects individuals of all genders. Domestic violence is pervasive across all regions of the country, detrimental to our society and hindering national development. It should not be tolerated.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari once remarked that his wife belongs in his kitchen and the “other room.” Do you believe that women’s roles, particularly in Northern Nigeria, should be restricted to domestic duties?

Thank you very much for the question. That was one of the issues I addressed in my inaugural lecture. It may surprise you to know that, before the era of colonialism and Islam, women in the North were actively engaged in various aspects of life: economically, politically, socially — you name it. However, with the advent and spread of Islam in the Northern region, women began to face restrictions in many areas. This trend persisted during colonialism, which brought its own version of patriarchy, known as Victorian patriarchy, where women were expected to be seen and not heard. Consequently, many of the rights and powers previously enjoyed by women in Africa and Nigeria were eroded.

Furthermore, the history of Western education in the North differed significantly from that in the South and the West, impacting women’s education in the Northern region. It took the efforts of individuals like Gambo Sawaba and others to advocate for girls’’ and women’s right to education. Their struggles were not without consequences, as Sawaba faced numerous challenges because of her activism.

It might surprise you to learn that it wasn’t until around 1979, during the general election, that women from the North voted for the first time, whereas, Southern women had been participating in elections before this. Nonetheless, today, numerous Northern women have made substantial contributions to societal development.

Therefore, the notion that women belong solely in the kitchen and the “other room,” as expressed by our former President, is not accurate. While that may have been his perspective, it is crucial to recognise that women are human beings, not a different species. Society comprises both men and women and for progress to occur in the society as ordained by God, both genders must work together.

What can you say about the recurring issues of minors being violated in the country? What do you think the solution would be?

Minors being violated has been with us for a very long time. It’s not a new phenomenon in our country, but it is becoming increasingly prevalent, with occurrences heard of every day. This trend is unacceptable and should not be tolerated.

This is where all of us should collaborate to ensure that such incidents are not only discouraged but also halted. One crucial aspect to note is that many minors are often violated by individuals who are known to them and are close to them. At times, these perpetrators are family members or individuals whom nobody would suspect. They may even be entrusted with the care of the child. Therefore, parents need to exercise caution and vigilance in whom they entrust their children to. Every parent must ensure they take proper care of their children and refrain from indiscriminately handing them over to others. Even when dealing with acquaintances, caution should be exercised.

Moreover, it should not solely be the responsibility of the government to address this issue. As members of society, when we observe wrongdoing, we must speak out. We cannot remain silent. Various helplines can be contacted for assistance, and numerous organisations are dedicated to ensuring that reported cases are thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Given reports of women allegedly married to terrorists supporting their spouses in causing havoc in the country, what strategies do you propose for their rescue and rehabilitation?

This situation is rather perplexing. Since the terrorists are their husbands, it’s not surprising that the women are supporting them. When you marry someone, you’re already aware of their occupation, and you willingly choose to marry them. Naturally, you wouldn’t oppose your spouse’s profession because you benefit from it. You derive sustenance and support from that profession.

Rescue efforts are only warranted when individuals are forcibly married. You don’t rescue someone who willingly enters into marriage and benefits from the relationship. After all, they are deriving financial benefits from it. What exactly would you be rescuing them from? However, in cases where individuals are abducted, such as Liah Sharibu and others, and forced into marriage against their will, then rescue efforts become imperative.

Women have been fervently advocating against gender disparity in the country. What is your perspective on this important issue?

Women should be given opportunities just like any other person. If there are openings and women are applying for them, they should be given consideration, just like any other applicant. One of the points I consistently emphasize is that women should also strive to enhance their skills in whatever they do. Wherever they find themselves, they should focus on self-improvement so that when opportunities arise, they are well-prepared and not deemed unqualified due to a lack of skills.

Therefore, if you have the opportunity to enhance your skills, seize it. Make every effort to ensure you are competent, thus eliminating any justification for denying you a position.

If, despite being qualified, you are denied a position because you are a woman, then you have every right to protest and highlight it as gender discrimination. Women are competent and should be given opportunities because they can bring about positive change.

Furthermore, former President Olusegun Obasanjo introduced the 30 per cent affirmative action for women, which he signed into law. However, even this 30 per cent quota was not evenly distributed. In countries where women have been allowed to contribute, they have demonstrated their capabilities. For instance, in Rwanda, significant progress can be observed due to women’s active participation in various sectors.

What recommendations would you offer to the government regarding the persistent challenges of kidnapping?

We need to ensure that public institutions, especially our security agencies, function effectively. Additionally, when individuals involved in kidnapping are apprehended, they should be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. Therefore, the government has a significant role to play in enhancing security, as its primary duty is to protect the citizens. Furthermore, the government should empower its citizens and ensure that those who need employment can secure jobs. This will help reduce crime rates.