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Nigeria’s North Poised for Transformation as New Analysis Shows Investing in Girls Could Yield Massive Returns

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Nigeria’s North Poised for Transformation as New Analysis Shows Investing in Girls Could Yield Massive Returns

By: Michael Mike

A groundbreaking new policy brief has revealed that investing in adolescent girls in Northern Nigeria could deliver life-changing gains for young women and multibillion-dollar returns for the country.

The latest findings support what experts have long argued: that educating girls is not just a social imperative but one of the highest-yielding economic investments Nigeria can make.

According to the new analysis, scaling up proven programmes in Kano and Kaduna States with an investment of US$ 114 million over four years would reach 1.1 million adolescent girls and generates 3.9 million additional years of schooling averts 327,000 child marriages, prevents 383,000 adolescent pregnancies, saves 3,651 adolescent mothers’ lives, reduces 35,675 under-five deaths and delivers an astonishing 21-to-1 return on investment, valued at $2.5 billion

Policymakers are calling the findings a “wake-up call” for national and state governments and an opportunity Nigeria cannot afford to miss.

Despite progress in some parts of the country, millions of Nigerian girls especially in the North still face interrupted education. More than 7.6 million girls are out of school, half of them in the Northwest and Northeast. And while the national secondary school completion rate hovers at 34%, it is just 28% in the Northwest.

The consequences are immediate and generational. Girls without schooling face earlier marriage (median age 16.6 with no education vs. 21.7 for those completing secondary school), higher risk of intimate partner violence, reduced decision-making power Increased risk of maternal complications and death, a greater likelihood of having stunted or malnourished children

Unfortunately, these outcomes reverberate through communities, reinforcing cycles of poverty, poor health, and limited opportunity.

But fortunately, Northern Nigeria is not starting from scratch. The Centre for Girls’ Education (CGE) in Kaduna has spent over a decade pioneering targeted, evidence-backed models that are now informing national policy.

The Executive Director of the Centre for Girls’ Education (CGE), Habiba Mohammed, delivered an urgent call for Nigeria to expand opportunities for every girl—whether in school, out of school, married, young, or facing barriers to further education.

She said educating girls is the foundation for safer communities, stronger families, and a more prosperous nation.

Speaking to policymakers, development partners, teachers, and community members, Mohammed outlined CGE’s comprehensive approach to supporting girls aged 4 to 24, emphasizing that the organization “works with girls at every stage” from preschoolers to married adolescents, from girls seeking vocational skills to those aiming for careers in STEM.

CGE’s model blends literacy, numeracy, life skills, vocational training, and mentorship in safe spaces across communities and schools.

She said: “We train teachers to become mentors. This gives us ripple effects indirect beneficiaries who carry forward the skills and knowledge.”

The organisation works hand-in-hand with community leaders, religious leaders, parents, husbands of married adolescents, school heads, and government officials, ensuring interventions align with local realities.

CGE also collaborates closely with local government education authorities to secure school placements for girls returning to the classroom and to ensure smooth transitions from one level of schooling to the next.

“We don’t want a situation where girls drop out. When girls learn, the possibility of them being retained in school is very high,” she said.

Mohammed highlighted the story of Sakina, a CGE beneficiary who used her voice to spark policy change.

During an advocacy visit supported by the Malala Fund, Sakina told the former governor of Kaduna State:

“I have achieved something, but I have sisters out there who need the same opportunity. School fees are stopping many girls.”

Her plea moved the governor to scrap school fees for all children girls and boys from primary through senior secondary school. The reform became reality, opening classrooms to thousands of learners.

“The voice of the girl was powerful,” Mohammed said. “When we get the right stakeholders, no girl will be left behind.”At CGE, girls are not passive recipients they are activists.

“We believe in the slogan: nothing for us without us,” Mohammed said. “We train our girls to use their voices to speak to policymakers.”

Girls supported by CGE appear on radio and TV, advocate in Hausa and English, and speak publicly about why they want education and why it is a fundamental right.

Addressing the barriers faced by married adolescents, Mohammed shared her own story of completing university while raising three children:

“I was eight months pregnant with my first child when I started university… and before I graduated, I had three children. It did not stop me.”

She stressed that married girls can thrive academically if given supportive environments including child care options, mentorship, and encouragement from family members.

“Our mothers-in-law, co-wives, and extended families can help us continue,” she said. “The issue is understanding not control.”

According to her, girls trained in CGE safe spaces develop the life skills to navigate complex family dynamics. “When you see them, everybody wants to be like them.”

Security threats from community clashes to insurgency remain a challenge. While CGE cannot enforce security, Mohammed said community partnerships are critical.

“Our focal persons inform us immediately if there is a conflict. The safety of mentors, staff, and girls is a priority.”

Communities themselves provide protection and ensure that programmes continue when conditions are safe.

Mohammed urged state governments to develop concrete policies that allow girls who married early or became pregnant to return to school seamlessly.

“Every girl who wants to go back to school should find the door open,” she said.

She pointed to CGE research showing that transition from primary to secondary school was once only 4% in programme communities. But after just one year of life skills intervention, 82% of girls re-enrolled.

“This shows what can happen when girls gain confidence and support,” she said. “Now it is the responsibility of government to create space for every girl.”

“Issues of early marriage will be history. Issues of girls not going to school will be history. Issues of gender-based violence, Boko Haram, kidnapping all will be history in Nigeria. The only thing we need is to educate the girl child.”

Mohammed emphasized that the goal is not to position education against marriage, but to ensure that girls enter both on their own terms, prepared, informed, and empowered.

“Marriage does not stop education, and education does not stop marriage”

Mohammed challenged the widespread belief that schooling and marriage are mutually exclusive for girls in Northern Nigeria. Instead, she argued that girls should marry “at an appropriate age, when she is ready”and that readiness is most often achieved when they complete secondary education.

“For us, it is not the age, it is the maturity,” she said. “If a girl is able to marry after completion of secondary school, she is ready.”

“A girl who is able to go through a life skills component… will understand that she has a voice. She can use her voice,” she said.

According to her, stigma loses its power when girls develop self-confidence and resilience. “Even if it is there, it will not stop her from achieving her goals.”

CGE’s life skills curriculum includes lessons on self-esteem, communication, goal setting, and managing emotional and psychological challenges such as trauma from gender based violence.

Mohammed also discussed CGE’s innovative approach to literacy, supported by the Jolie-Phoenix phonics component, which transforms learning into an interactive, fun experience.

“It is a fun way of learning. The participants learn between songs,” she explained.

She noted that the approach has yielded success, particularly for girls who previously struggled with literacy, stating that phonics-based lessons enable girls to read and write, adding that local -language numeracy makes mathematics easier to grasp, being able to read signs in hospitals, on the road, or at school motivates girls to stay in school; peer learning allows fast learners to support slower learners, strengthening community bonds and accelerating progress.

Mohammed said: “In Hausa, they want to see the end of that education,” describing the sense of achievement girls feel when they can read independently.

She noted that effective teacher training is absolutely critical and that “no teacher is untrainable.”

From her experience recruiting mentors from public schools, she recounted how educators who initially struggled quickly transformed with the right training:

CGE’s life skills curriculum also includes modules to support survivors of rape, domestic abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence. These sessions help girls rebuild emotional strength and regain control of their lives.

“They can be able to do better with their emotions,” habiba explained. “They can be able to help themselves out of the situation they found themselves in.”

She appeal for collaboration among government agencies, civil society, donors, teachers, traditional leaders, and parents.

“If we put our hands and heads together, not working in silos… we will be able to reach where we want to go about girls’ education,” she said.

CGE’s model continues to demonstrate that when girls are nurtured academically, emotionally, and socially, they thrive regardless of the stigma or barriers around them.

Nigeria’s North Poised for Transformation as New Analysis Shows Investing in Girls Could Yield Massive Returns

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Nigeria-China Relations at 55: Dialogue Highlights Achievements, Strategic Opportunities, and Shared Future

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7 hours ago

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February 11, 2026

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Nigeria-China Relations at 55: Dialogue Highlights Achievements, Strategic Opportunities, and Shared Future

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China marked 55 years of diplomatic relations on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, with a high-level dialogue at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), reflecting on past achievements and exploring opportunities for deeper cooperation across economic, cultural, and strategic sectors.

The event, themed “Nigeria-China at 55 and Beyond”, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, scholars, and private sector leaders. It featured remarks from the Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II, IPCR Director-General Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, representatives from the Chinese Embassy, and the Centre for China Studies (CCS), highlighting the significance of the long-standing partnership.

In his welcome address, Dr. Ochogwu described the dialogue as a timely platform to assess the evolution of Nigeria-China relations, which have grown from diplomatic ties to a comprehensive partnership spanning infrastructure, trade, technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Partnerships such as Nigeria-China relations must be continually examined through the lens of peace, stability, and sustainable development,” Dr. Ochogwu said. He emphasized that sustainable development and durable peace are inseparable, noting that economic cooperation must be people-centered, conflict-sensitive, and aligned with national and regional stability goals.

Emir Sanusi II reflected on his personal connection to Nigeria-China relations, recalling that his father, Ambassador Aminu Sanusi, served as Nigeria’s first ambassador to China in 1971. He highlighted the strategic importance of deploying experienced diplomats to critical posts, urging policymakers to prioritize long-term national interests over prestige when determining postings.

“Diplomatic deployments must align with national interests, particularly in emerging geopolitical realities,” he said. Sanusi also stressed that while Chinese infrastructure projects are welcome, Nigeria must focus on domestic production and industrialization to fully leverage bilateral cooperation under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Representatives of the Chinese Embassy reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening strategic trust, advancing shared development, strengthening multilateral engagement, and promoting mutual learning among civilizations. They cited landmark achievements, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Zungeru Hydropower Station, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Natural Gas Pipeline, and railway modernization projects.

“Over 55 years, China and Nigeria have been trusted friends, supporting each other in national development and regional peace,” the Chinese delegation said. Bilateral trade surpassed USD 28 billion in 2025, a year-on-year increase of over 28 percent, while Chinese direct investment reached USD 690 million, up 103 percent from 2024. People-to-people ties, including educational exchanges, Confucius Institutes, and cultural festivals, were also highlighted as key pillars of the relationship.

The Centre for China Studies (CCS) underscored the historical context of the relationship, noting Nigeria’s early support for China’s seat at the United Nations in 1971 and the continued adherence to the One China Policy. CCS Director Charles Onunaiju emphasized that Nigeria is strategically positioned to benefit from China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and called for closer study of China’s governance and economic policies to inform national development strategies.

“Even though Nigeria and China have achieved much over the past 55 years, what lies ahead is even greater,” Onunaiju said, urging policymakers and scholars to focus on structural transformation, industrialization, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The dialogue concluded with calls for strengthened strategic engagement, alignment of development priorities, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development, regional stability, and a long-term partnership between the two nations.

Nigeria-China Relations at 55: Dialogue Highlights Achievements, Strategic Opportunities, and Shared Future

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Owo Church Attack: 8th DSS Witness Corroborates 7th’s Testimony Identifying 2nd Defendant Al Quasim As Part of Bloodbath

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February 11, 2026

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Owo Church Attack: 8th DSS Witness Corroborates 7th’s Testimony Identifying 2nd Defendant Al Quasim As Part of Bloodbath

By: Our Reporter

An eight witness of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the ongoing trial of suspected attackers of the St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, in 2022, on Wednesday corroborated the Tuesday testimony of a 7th witness who identified one of the suspects as being part of those who carried out the attack.

Like the 7th DSS witness did on Tuesday, the 8th also identified the 2nd defendant, Al Quasim Idris, as being part of those who allegedly killed the worshippers.

The witness, an Amotekun operative, told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he was one of the officers who arrived in the church premises shortly after the attack. He identified Al Quasim Idris as one of those who, shortly after the attack, exchanged gunfire at close range with him in a nearby bush.

The DSS is prosecuting Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25 years), Al Qasim Idris (20 years), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26 years), Abdulhaleem Idris (25 years) and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47 years) over the June 5, 2022 attack on the church.

Earlier on Tuesday, another Amotekun officer, who is listed as the seventh witness of the DSS, in open court, identified Al Quasim Idris as one of those with whom he came face-to-face during a gunfight that ensued.

Led in evidence by the prosecuting lawyer, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), SSH, who is the eight prosecution witness (PW8), on Wednesday, gave details of how they trailed and tried to apprehend the attackers, resulting in the exchange of gunfire with Al Quasim Idris.

SSH said: “On June 5, 2022 as an operative of Amotekun, we received a distress call from the anti-kidnapping squad. We were on an anti-kidnapping mission when we received another call that there was an attack at the St. Francis Church, Owo.

“So, we were asked to withdraw and head to St Francis Church. On getting to the church, we met a crowd and managed to enter the premises.

“When we entered the church premises, we saw several dead bodies on the floor, both inside and around the church, including some injured people, including women and children,” he said.

The witness added: “We later came outside the church and learnt that the attackers were four in number and that they were the ones who zoomed off in a blue Nissan car as we were arriving.

“We got into our vehicle and started to trail them towards Ute Road, because that was the information we got. We were able to get close to them because our vehicle was better than the one they were in.”

SSH said at a point, “the attackers abruptly parked their car and ran into the bush. One of our men and a volunteer hunter went after them while the rest of us waited strategically.”

The witness said that it was during an intense gun battle with the attackers in the bush that he sighted Al Quasim Idris. He, however, added that the assailants succeeded in killing the volunteer hunter.

“We were able to get back to the bush to retrieve the body of the hunter,” the witness stated.

The Amotekun officer stated that they later took the Nissan car to their office before it was later moved to their state headquarters.

Under cross-examination by defence lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad, the witness said he could not remember how many of them brought out the hunter’s corpse from the bush.

On whether they made efforts to identify the actual owner of the Nissan car, the witness said: “Before we moved the vehicle to the state headquarters at Akure, the owner came to our office to identify himself as the owner of the vehicle.”

When asked if they interviewed the owner of the vehicle, the witness said that was done in their office, but that he was not part of those who interviewed the owner of the car..

At the conclusion of the cross-examination, Adedipe prayed the court to grant a three consecutive day adjournment to enable the prosecution call its last set of witnesses and close its case.

The defence lawyer did not oppose, following which Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned till March 24, 25 and 26 for continuation of trial.

Owo Church Attack: 8th DSS Witness Corroborates 7th’s Testimony Identifying 2nd Defendant Al Quasim As Part of Bloodbath

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Bayelsa Deepens Angola Partnership, Moves to Activate MoU with Namibe Province

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11 hours ago

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February 11, 2026

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Bayelsa Deepens Angola Partnership, Moves to Activate MoU with Namibe Province

By: Michael Mike

Bayelsa State has stepped up efforts to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Angola, as it moves to implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Namibe Province during the renewed Nigeria–Angola Bilateral Commission.

The partnership, which began with an exploratory visit to the Angolan coastal province of Namibe, has now entered an implementation phase, with both sides expressing commitment to translating agreements into tangible economic outcomes.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Duoye Diri, while receiving a delegation from Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço led by the Minister of State and Chief of the Civil House of the President of the Republic of Angola, Dionísio Manuel da Fonseca at Bayelsa House in Abuja on Wednesday, said the relationship between Bayelsa and Namibe was built on shared economic characteristics and strategic interests. The delegation included senior Angolan government officials and investment representatives.

He explained that the first visit to Namibe was exploratory, aimed at identifying areas of mutual interest. Namibe, like Bayelsa, is a coastal region with strong potential in aquaculture, fisheries, marine services and other blue economy sectors.

“Namibe is a coastal province like Bayelsa. We have a lot in common in terms of marine resources, fisheries and natural endowments. That informed our decision to foster closer cooperation,” the governor said.

The second engagement coincided with the Nigeria–Angola Bilateral Commission meeting — the first in over two decades, the last having been held in 2005. The high-level meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, federal government officials and representatives of subnational governments, including Nasarawa State.

It was during that session that Bayelsa State formally signed an MoU with Namibe Province, focusing broadly on economic development in sectors where both sides have comparative advantages. Nasarawa State also signed a separate agreement with another Angolan province.

The governor noted that although Nigeria and Angola have signed nearly 30 agreements over the years, many were not fully implemented. He described the renewed bilateral engagement as a deliberate effort to reverse that trend.

“What makes this engagement different is the emphasis on implementation. Many agreements were signed in the past but were not executed. This visit is a continuation of that renewed commitment to ensure that what we have signed does not remain on paper,” he stated.

Diri, while commending the Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, Jose Bamoquina Zau, who was part of the visiting team for working diligently to sustain relations between both countries, acknowledged the role of Nigeria’s leadership in facilitating the revival of the bilateral commission.

The governor also disclosed that a planned reciprocal visit by the Governor of Namibe Province had been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, including the sudden loss of his deputy governor last year. He, however, expressed optimism that the visit would take place soon.

“We look forward to hosting the Namibe governor in Bayelsa so that we can further consolidate this partnership. Stronger ties between our states and provinces will ultimately strengthen relations between Nigeria and Angola,” he said.

Observers say the Bayelsa–Namibe cooperation reflects a growing trend of subnational diplomacy aimed at boosting intra-African trade, attracting investment and unlocking the economic potential of the continent’s coastal and resource-rich regions.

With both sides signaling readiness to move beyond ceremonial agreements, the partnership is expected to focus on practical collaboration in fisheries development, aquaculture expansion, marine infrastructure and broader economic exchange — positioning Bayelsa and Namibe as strategic gateways for enhanced South–South cooperation.

Bayelsa Deepens Angola Partnership, Moves to Activate MoU with Namibe Province

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