My quest for education prompt establishment of Al-Muhibbah

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Bauchi State First Lady, Hajia (Dr.) Aisha Bala Mohammed, revealed on Friday that the quest to promote education prompted her to establish Almuhibba Open University, the first online university in Nigeria.

The Bauchi State First Lady, who holds the traditional title of Sarauniyar Bauchi, said that her organisation, the Almuhibba Foundation, gives priority to education, especially for the girl child.

She was speaking at the activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child held at the Suleiman Adamu Arena, Government House, Bauchi with the theme: Girls’ Vision for the Future.

According to her, “As we all know, education is one of the cardinal objectives of the present administration in the state, and that was what prompted me to establish Almuhibba Open University, Almuhibba Institute of ICT and Entrepreneurship, so as to contribute my quarter in the education sector.”

The First Lady stressed that “it is indeed a pride to address this gathering on the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child with the theme “Girls Vision for the Future. It warms my heart to see all these beautiful girls with so much passion and confidence.”

The Governor’s Wife added that, “As an advocate for girl child rights and empowerment, the International Day of the Girl Child for me is indeed a day to be celebrated.”

Aisha Bala Mohammed stressed that “Every successful woman has faced challenges in her life, but remember, tough times don’t last forever. Facing challenges head-on is crucial for growth and success; avoiding challenges only prolongs the inevitable.”

According to her, “In our desire to achieve success, we collaborated with the Bauchi State Agency for Mass Education (BASAME) and Renewed Hope Initiatives (RHI) to carry out many projects.”

“Among which “Not Too Late to Learn, Establishment of Zainab Bulkachuwa Community ICT Centre, Alternative High School for Girls, etc.” which will impact knowledge to out-of-school women and our teaming youths for them to function effectively as members of society.”

Earlier in a goodwill message, the State Coordinator of the Bauchi State Adolescent Girls Initiatives for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE AF), Dr. Jamila Dahiru Mohammed, revealed plans to carry out several interventions that will benefit adolescent girls in the state.

She stressed that the AGILE project is a World Bank-supported project being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education across the states of the country with the aim of ensuring that the girl child is not hindered in her pursuit of education at all levels.

In her presentation, the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Jamila Dahiru Mohammed, disclosed that the state government, in collaboration with Plan International, has distributed 4225 packs of menstrual pads to support good hygiene for girls in public schools.

Jamila Dahiru disclosed that 169 pieces of first aid boxes and kits, 423 pieces of hand sanitiser, and 85 pieces of hijab were also distributed to girls in public schools.

She said the International Day of the Girl Child is dedicated to recognising the rights, potential, and aspirations of girls worldwide.

“The theme for this year’s event with the theme, ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future,’ is both inspiring and timely as it challenges us to listen to the dreams and ambitions of girls and to help them shape a future,” she stated.

She added that “girls are not just passive recipients of the future; they are active creators of it. Every girl deserves the right to envision and realise a future where she can thrive, free from barriers and discrimination.”

The Commissioner added that, “Whether her dreams are to become a scientist, an artist, a leader, or an innovator, it is our collective duty to support her journey.”

According to her, “As a government, we are dedicated to ensuring that these pillars of support for our girls through the provision of access and equal opportunities are firmly in place. We will continue to invest in school infrastructure, teacher training, and programmes that empower girls to excel in every field of endeavour.”

During the celebrations, the Governor’s Wife presented awards to schools that participated in the fabric competitions organised by her office and NGO for encouraging entrepreneurship development at the secondary school level.

The celebrations witnessed a display of drama to encourage the adolescent girls to take their studies seriously and a dance drama by Fulani students.

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