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By Khadijat Ogido 

Educating girls is one of the most powerful tools for creating a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous society. Girls are provided with diverse basic knowledge, skills, and training contributing to national development. An educated child can only grow through a literate woman who has a greater chance of breaking the cycle of social vices by passing good knowledge to her daughter.

There is an adage that says, “Educate a man, you educate an individual, but educate a woman, you educate a Nation.”This adage summarises the essence of education to the girl child.

Investing in girls’ education transforms communities, countries, and the world. Girls who receive an education are less likely to marry young and more likely to lead healthy, productive lives. They earn higher incomes, participate in the decisions that most affect them, and build better futures for themselves and their families.

Girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces inequality. It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that allow all individuals – including boys and men –to fulfil their potential.

However, education for girls is about more than having access to school. It’s also about girls feeling safe in classrooms and supported in the subjects and careers they pursue—including those in which they are often underrepresented.

A girl is described as a female child between infancy and early adulthood. During this period of the development of the girl child, she is under the custody and supervision of adults who may be her parents or guardians and siblings who are older and more mature than she is.

According to the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Research has shown that millions of girls do not have access to school despite concerted efforts to promote the cause. Okeke, Nzewi, and Njoku (2008) identified child labour, poverty and lack of sponsorship, the quest for wealth, bereavement, truancy, broken homes, and engagement of children as househelps as factors that clog the wheel of children’s access to education.

According to UNESCO estimates, 129 million girls worldwide are out of school, including 32 million of primary school age, 30 million of lower-secondary school age, and 67 million of upper-secondary school age. In countries affected by conflict, girls are more than twice as likely to be out of school as girls living in non-affected countries.

Most factors that militate against the girl-child access to education are socio-cultural. Many countries on the African continent rank among the poorest in the world. The ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemics, over-crowding in cities, tribal warfare and despotic governments have contributed to the degeneration of the beautiful African land into a human rights catastrophe. At the centre of the devastating situation is the girl-child. 

The girl-children appear to be the most vulnerable and most undervalued members of the society. In a region where many are struggling to get enough food and to stay alive, remain out of reach of the various violent rebel armies, and care for those stricken with various diseases, a basic education, especially for girl children, is low on the list of priorities. The right to education, which is a fundamental human right, is frequently denied to girls in some African countries.

The then United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, stated that in Africa when families have to choose between educating a girl and a boy due to limited resources, the boy is always selected to attend school. 

In Africa, many girls are prevented from getting the education they are entitled to because families often send their daughters to work at a young age to earn additional income beyond the subsistence level and finance the education of their sons.

 It has been reported in BBC News (2006) that the African patriarchal societal viewpoint favours boys over girls because boys maintain the family lineage. Additional reasons why girls do not have adequate access to education in Africa include the fact that many have to stay home to nurse relatives with HIV/AIDS. Their mothers were uneducated, which is another reason they feel their daughters do not need education. Furthermore, some families do not believe in the education of girls. 

Many women who made it in life today also contributed immensely to the country’s growth and served as role models to the girl-child. Women like Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, Grace Alele Williams, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Flora Nwanpa, Onyeka Onwenu, etc. These women couldn’t have achieved it without a good education and were given the opportunity because it’s their right.

Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist, said, “Let us remember: one book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”

Educating the girl child is not just about attending school to acquire knowledge. It also serves as a weapon and a guide on how to shape her life and to break the barrier of a girl child not having the right to education.

Michelle Obama said, “When women are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous. Investing in a girl child’s education is not just a moral imperative; it is an essential strategy for achieving sustainable development and a better world for everyone.

Khadijat Ogido wrote via ogidokhadijat82@gmail.com.

By Ishaka Mohammed

Sometime in 2023, I wrote about a PhD holder who couldn’t get a lecturing job because of his third-class bachelor’s degree. Neither his postgraduate qualifications and a significant number of journal articles nor his vast experience in education could override his weak first degree, thanks to supposed standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

A few years after obtaining a third-class Bachelor of Science in Geography, this man started teaching in a government secondary school and, with his diligence, experience, and additional qualification (a postgraduate diploma in education: PGDE), he became a vice-principal. 

He later obtained a postgraduate diploma (PDE) as part of the requirements for a master’s degree (due to his weak first degree), successfully completed an MSc, and was a short while into his PhD program when he lost his job. 

It was a big test, especially for a family man, but he faced everything head-on and acquired his PhD in 2020.

Dr Ali Ameh Danbaba had always wanted to be a university lecturer, so he submitted applications despite having heard of the obstacle (his third-class bachelor’s degree) before him. Two universities had almost employed him when they noticed the class of his bachelor’s degree. I saw the situation as a case of someone being denied admission to tertiary institutions because of their poor primary school results.

However, Dr Ali Ameh Danbaba is perseverance-personified. At the time of his last rejection, he was already doing another bachelor’s degree (though as a part-time student). He spent four more academic sessions and obtained a first-class Bachelor of Science in Geography.

One amazing aspect of his doggedness was the uncertainty of his financial sources. Despite living with his wife and children and being mostly unemployed during his PhD program, Doctor (as he’s fondly called) persisted, majorly freelancing with his academic prowess.

Outside his academic life, he’s famous for his joviality and frequent calls to prayers. His humility could be easily mistaken for timidity. Despite his qualifications and age (with his first child already at university), he is never condescending. He takes my relationship with him like that between age-mates.

I was away from town and on the phone with him when he broke the heart-warming news of his employment to me. This job was his target for years. I’m delighted that he finally got it.

Success has multiple meanings, one of which is the magnitude of one’s wealth, but the meaning I often refer to is the achievement of one’s goal(s). Dr Ali Ameh Danbaba wanted to become a university lecturer, and now he is. I see him as a successful man, and, among other things, I’ve learned much from his life, especially his perseverance and humility.

Until his latest employment, he was the Chairman of the District Education Committee, Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the soldiers who lost their lives in an attack on a military base in Sabon Gida, Damboa, Borno State.

Members of the ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) group launched the attack at dawn on Saturday, using heavy military vehicles and motorcycles. The attack targeted the military base in Sabon Gari, located in Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State. They set the base on fire, including military vehicles, as confirmed by several military sources who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking about the matter.

Fighter jets dispatched from Maiduguri, located 100 kilometres (62 miles) away, retaliated against the attackers as they tried to flee.

In a statement released by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed deep sorrow for the loss of six brave soldiers who died in the terrorist attack on January 4th. The President has ordered a full investigation to determine the cause of the incident and ensure that it serves as a lesson to prevent future occurrences.

“The actions taken by the military demonstrate our strength and readiness to confront threats and eliminate them for the safety of our country. This operation highlights our commitment to fighting terrorism and banditry and working towards a peaceful and secure future for all Nigerians,” the President stated.

Tinubu further expressed his gratitude and sympathy to the soldiers and other security personnel on behalf of the grateful nation. “Your dedication and sacrifice will not be in vain. We stand with you 100% in this fight against these threats,” he affirmed.

The Chief of Army Staff also commended the military’s swift and decisive response, particularly the air support, which successfully struck many of the terrorists and destroyed their equipment as they attempted to escape.

According to Tinubu, the airstrike resulted in the killing of several terrorists and the destruction of their resources. The President urged the military to take further steps to launch direct assaults on bandits and terrorist camps.

He emphasized that special attention should be given to the North-Western region, where these criminal groups continue to pose a threat to the lives and property of innocent rural communities.

Tinubu also called on Nigerians and the media to support the military’s efforts to restore peace and security in the country.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Professor Mustapha Muhammad, a long-standing figure in the Department of English and Literary Studies at Bayero University, Kano, officially retired after an impressive 47 years of service. His disengagement marks the end of a significant chapter in the university’s history.

Known for his dedication to teaching, research, and mentoring, Professor Muhammad leaves behind a legacy that has shaped the minds of countless students and educators. His farewell on January 5 was not only a personal milestone but also a moment of reflection for the department that has greatly benefited from his wealth of knowledge and experience.

Colleagues express concerns about the impact of his retirement on the department. Malam Maikudi Zukogi noted that while Professor Muhammad’s departure was anticipated, it highlights the challenges ahead, especially following the recent retirements of two other long-serving faculty members – Profs. Isma’ila Tsiga and Sa’id Babura Ahmad. Zukogi stated, “His absence creates a significant vacuum that will be difficult to fill.”

As Professor Muhammad embarks on this new phase of his life, colleagues and students alike have extended their well wishes, expressing hopes for good health and a smooth transition into retirement. The university community acknowledges his invaluable contributions and looks ahead to sustaining the foundation he helped establish.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed that it received an overwhelming 573,519 applications for its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise within just one week of opening the application portal.

This announcement follows the Federal Government’s recent approval of 3,927 new recruitments for the service.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Olawale Edun, had earlier revealed that the government had authorized the recruitment, which aimed to strengthen the workforce of the NCS.

Providing an update, the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, gave a detailed breakdown of the applications submitted for both general duty and support staff positions, spanning multiple ranks.

“I want to break down the number of people that applied. We have two categories of officers: we have the support staff who are professionals, and we have the general duty.

“For the general duty, we have three categories of ranks. For the general duty under the superintendent cadre, we have 249,218,000 candidates who applied. Under the superintendent cadre support staff, we have 27,722,000 with HNDs and university degrees.

“For the inspector cadres, those expected to apply with their National Certificate for Education (NCE) or National Diploma, we have 115,634 applying for the general duty, and for support staff, we have 12,952.

“As for the customs assistants, these are those who are supposed to come in with secondary school certificates.

“There are two categories: those who have basic five-credit results with Maths and English, and those without Maths and English. For the general duty, we have 153,593,000, while for the support staff, we have 14,400,” Maiwada explained.

The recruitment exercise has drawn significant public attention due to the sheer number of applicants vying for the limited positions, highlighting the competitive nature of government employment in Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), led by Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has commenced its official preparations for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage with a significant working visit to Saudi Arabia.

The visit, which started on January 7, 2025, follows an invitation from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU), and aims to lay the groundwork for a successful pilgrimage later in the year.

The Nigerian delegation, which includes top NAHCON officials, is set to finalize key arrangements for the 2025 Hajj.

This includes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi authorities, which is scheduled for January 12, 2025.

The MoU will outline the framework for the coming year’s Hajj operations. Nigerian Foreign Minister, His Excellency Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, will sign the MoU on behalf of Nigeria.

Accompanying Prof. Usman are NAHCON Commissioners for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS), Prof. Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal; Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing Services (OILS), Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi; and Policy, Personnel Management, and Finance (PPMF), Alhaji Prince Aliu Abdulrazaq.

Representatives from various Nigerian states’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and Commissions, as well as Private Tour Operators, are also part of the visit.

Additionally, members from the Nigerian National Assembly, the Presidency, and the aviation industry have joined the delegation to help oversee preparations and decision-making.

A crucial part of the visit is the attendance of the International Hajj Expo, which kicks off on January 13, 2025. The delegation will evaluate potential service providers for Nigerian pilgrims at the event.

As part of the visit’s agenda, Prof. Usman and his team will hold consular meetings and engage in discussions with the heads of other countries’ Hajj missions.

They will also meet with the supervisors of the Hajj e-track registration portal, as well as officials from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and other key stakeholders.

These consultations will finalize arrangements ahead of the MoU signing and set the stage for subsequent contracts with service providers, including United Agents, Car Syndicates, Tafweej, Adillah in Madinah, and Health Supervision Companies.

Meanwhile, other NAHCON staff members are conducting inspections of accommodations, catering facilities, and medical establishments in Makkah and Madinah to ensure they meet the required standards before finalizing agreements with service providers.

The ongoing preparations reflect Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj for its citizens, with all logistical and service arrangements being carefully put in place ahead of the pilgrimage later in the year.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has announced the division of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna State, into six regions.

Tinubu made the decision to split the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, in order to improve its operations, as stated in the announcement.

According to the APC section in Ondo State, these six campuses will be established in different regions of Nigeria.

New campuses will be set up in Akure (South-West), Osubi (South-South), and Ebonyi (South-East), while others will be established in Ilorin (Central), Yola (North-East), and Zaria (North-West.)

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Daily Reality earlier reported that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) had included 20 Nigerian words in its latest update. Below are their definitions.

1. 419 (noun): Fraud (now usually perpetrated on the internet) involving requests for advance payment in return for a substantial share of a large amount of money, which ultimately is never given. Frequently as a modifier, as in 419 emails, 419 scams, etc.

2. abi (adverb): Used as a sentence adverb: clearly, obviously; of course. Also used interrogatively, at the end of a statement, to prompt agreement, approval, or confirmation: ‘isn’t that so?’, ‘am I not correct?’, etc.

3. adire (adjective, noun): Made of a type of fabric produced mainly in south-western Nigeria, featuring patterns obtained by applying indigo or other dyes using various resist-dyeing techniques; a type of fabric produced mainly in south-western Nigeria, featuring patterns obtained by applying indigo or other dyes using various resist-dyeing techniques. Also: the method of producing this fabric.

4. agbero (noun): Originally: a person (usually a boy or young man) who works as a tout, typically at car parks and bus stops, collecting money from passengers and drivers and ushering passengers onto vehicles. Later also (now chiefly): a person (usually a boy or young man), who obtains money or wins influence by engaging in criminal activity, such as extortion, theft, and drug dealing, often as a member of a gang.

5. area boy (noun): A person (usually a boy or young man), who obtains money or influence by engaging in criminal activity, such as extortion, theft, and drug dealing, often as a member of a street gang. Also: a person (usually a boy or young man) who works as a tout or enforcer.

6. cross-carpet: (verb): Of a politician: to move from one political party to another.

7. cross-carpeting (noun): The action or practice of a politician moving from one political party to another. Also: an instance of this.

8. eba (noun): A kind of dough made with boiled cassava meal, typically shaped into balls, forming a staple food in parts of West Africa.

9. Edo (noun; adjective):  A member of a people inhabiting the ancient Benin Kingdom in present-day southern Nigeria; of or relating to the language of the Edo, a member of the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language family; designating this language.

10. gele (noun): A West African head-tie originally worn by Yoruba women, typically consisting of a stiff piece of fabric printed with designs in bright colours, which can be tied or wrapped around the head to form various shapes.

11. jand (noun; verb): A foreign country; a country other than one’s own; to travel overseas, esp. in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.

12. janded (adjective): Designating a person who has travelled overseas; of, relating to, or characteristic of such a person. Also: characteristic of or coming from a country other than one’s own; foreign.

13. japa (noun; verb): The emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity; to leave Nigeria for another country (esp. one in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity. Also more generally: to escape, to flee. 

14. Kanuri (noun; adjective): A member of a group of African peoples principally inhabiting north-eastern Nigeria, with some populations in Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Sudan; of or relating to the language of the Kanuri.

15. kobo (noun): Also in extended use: a very small amount (of money); usually in negative constructions, as in not a kobo, not worth a kobo, etc.

16. Naija (adjective; noun): Of, belonging to, or relating to Nigeria or Nigerians; a native or inhabitant of Nigeria, or a person of Nigerian descent.

17. suya (noun): In Nigerian cookery: a dish consisting of thinly sliced pieces of spiced meat grilled or roasted on a skewer, usually sold by street vendors and eaten as a snack.

18. yahoo (noun): Fraud perpetrated on the internet, esp. involving requests for advance payment for services or products that are ultimately never provided. Usually reduplicated, as yahoo yahoo.

19. yahoo boy (noun): A person (esp. a man) who commits fraud on the internet.

20. yarn dust (verb): to talk nonsense.

The history, pronunciation, example sentences and other details about each word are available at https://www.oed.com.

By Uzair Adam 

The China Development Bank (CDB) has approved a €245 million ($254.76 million) loan to fund the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria.  

In a statement released on its official website on Tuesday, the bank confirmed that the financial package is intended to ensure the smooth continuation of the railway’s construction. 

The statement read, “China Development Bank has recently granted a loan of €245 million ($254.76 million) to the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria, providing financial support for the smooth progress of the project.”  

The 203-kilometre standard-gauge railway line will connect Kano, a major commercial hub in northern Nigeria, to the federal capital, Abuja. 

Once completed, the railway will enhance regional connectivity, offering residents a safer and more efficient mode of transportation.  

In addition to improving mobility, the project is expected to drive economic growth by promoting industrial development along its corridor. 

It will also generate significant employment opportunities during its construction and subsequent operations.  

The Kano-Kaduna railway is recognized as a key cooperation project under the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Construction is being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, with financing from the CDB.  

Previously, the project was slated for funding by the China Exim Bank, which later withdrew its financial commitment. The CDB subsequently stepped in as the new financier.  

The bank reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with the Nigerian government to ensure timely disbursement of funds and effective management of subsequent project phases.  

“Going forward, [the CDB] will closely coordinate with Nigerian partners to ensure the smooth disbursement of subsequent loans and effective post-loan management,” the statement added.  

President Bola Tinubu had earlier assured Nigerians that the broader Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway project would be completed satisfactorily. 

The Federal Government has allocated N44.4 billion this year to complete the Abuja-Kaduna Railway project, the Lagos-Ibadan railway, and other rail infrastructure initiatives.  

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, is expected in Abuja on Wednesday for an official visit. 

During his stay, Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, will engage in discussions to further strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Millions of Africans have emigrated to Europe, America, and other parts of the world. This emigration is driven by both push and pull factors — economic challenges, political instability, conflicts, and the pursuit of better job opportunities and more accessible social services.

Despite often being stringent in their immigration policies, receiving countries have found ways to benefit from this influx. They tap into the labour, expertise, and talent of these immigrants. Rather than solely viewing immigration as a burden, many of these nations recognize the potential gains from incorporating skilled and unskilled labour into their economies.

Several West African countries have reassessed and severed their military ties with France in recent years. Notable examples include Mali in 2022, Burkina Faso in January 2023, Niger Republic in 2024, Chad in November 2024, Senegal in December 2024, and Ivory Coast in December 2024. These moves signal a significant shift in regional dynamics as these nations seek to assert greater sovereignty and explore alternative partnerships. Some have terminated defence agreements outright, while others are exploring new international collaborations.

International relations experts see these developments as pivotal. However, they caution that these countries might merely replace one foreign power with another without concrete plans for mutual benefits. For instance, in Niger Republic, the Russian presence, along with the mercenary group Wagner, has not brought substantial change. Wagner’s operations in several African nations, such as Mali, have drawn criticism, with human rights groups accusing its forces of severe abuses.

Reuters reported that: “French President Emmanuel Macron recently expressed frustration over the perceived lack of acknowledgement from certain African nations regarding France’s military interventions in the Sahel region. Speaking at a foreign policy conference with French ambassadors, Macron claimed that some African leaders had “rewritten history” concerning France’s role in combating Islamist militants since 2013. He argued that these states might have lost their sovereignty without French military support.

However, officials from countries like Chad and Senegal have pushed back, asserting that their decisions to expel French troops were made independently and in the best interest of their nations. Chadian Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah criticized Macron’s remarks as disrespectful, while Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko emphasized that Senegal’s decision was made without any negotiation with France.”

For Africa to progress, its leaders must define the continent’s needs, recognize its current position, and set a clear direction for the future. Africa must move beyond the outdated narrative that external forces are the primary obstacles to its development. The global landscape has evolved, and Africa must engage with international partners based on mutual respect and benefit.

For example, France and Nigeria have an excellent trade relationship, with Nigeria serving as France’s leading trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. So, if country A sees the French as a bottleneck, you don’t expect Nigeria to do so. 

If countries like France, China, Russia, or the United States want to invest in Africa, they must do so with clear, mutually beneficial agreements. African resources should be processed on African soil, ensuring the continent gains more than raw material exports. Africa needs technology transfer, expertise, and infrastructure development to foster sustainable growth.

Africa must adopt a global perspective and interact with nations based on their strengths in areas like United Nations status, military power, industrial capacity, African diasporas, trade volumes, and financial influence. Only through strategic, well-negotiated partnerships can Africa harness its full potential and assert its rightful place in the global arena.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.