Adamawa Unveils Gender Policy to Boost Girls’ Education

The Adamawa State Government has launched a gender policy on education aimed at increasing girls’ access to quality learning opportunities.

Unveiled in Yola on Friday by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Garba Pella, the policy was developed in partnership with the Jamal Hakeem Foundation and with support from the Malala Fund.

Represented by Mrs. Mary Yuwadi, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry of Education, Pella emphasized the policy’s focus on promoting gender equity in education.

“The goal of the policy is to build a just society devoid of discrimination, where women, men, girls, and boys are equitably integrated into all sectors of national development.

“It also aims to empower girls and women by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to participate fully in society and achieve their potential,” he stated.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating gender-responsive strategies into its education policies. These include encouraging gender-inclusive teaching techniques, forming gender clubs, and implementing measures to enhance girls’ school enrollment and retention.

Mr. Joel Jutum, Lead Consultant for Education Policy Development at the Jamal Hakeem Foundation, disclosed that the policy would be implemented over a three-year period, followed by a review and evaluation.

He stressed the need for effective execution, noting that, “The government is mandated to formulate policies, but we have domesticated the National Policy on Education to address specific gender issues in Adamawa.

“This way, policy implementers in the state can better understand the document and take necessary actions to narrow gender gaps in education.”

Jutum further highlighted major challenges affecting girls’ education in the state, including limited access to schooling, early and forced marriages, inadequate girls-only schools, and a shortage of female mentors.

He expressed optimism that the implementation of the policy would help eliminate these barriers and foster gender equality in education.