Educating the girl-child key to ending poverty – Sanusi

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has identified girl-child education as one of the most effective tools for combating poverty and addressing Nigeria’s persistent social and economic challenges.

Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), made the assertion while delivering the keynote address at the maiden convocation ceremony of Miva Open University held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Lagos.

Addressing the graduating Class of 2026, comprising 1,212 undergraduate and postgraduate students, the monarch stressed that investing in the education of girls produces far-reaching benefits for families, communities and the nation at large.

According to him, keeping girls in school significantly reduces maternal and infant mortality rates, improves family health outcomes, lowers the number of out-of-school children and helps break the cycle of poverty that often spans generations.

“If there is one single silver bullet that goes through many of the developmental issues that we face, it is educating the girl-child,” Sanusi said.

“You keep a young woman in school long enough, you deal with problems of maternal death, neonatal death, malnutrition, out-of-school children and intergenerational poverty.”

The Emir also highlighted the relationship between female education and family planning, arguing that educated women are better equipped to make informed decisions about their health, careers and families.

“Education is the most effective contraception you can give a woman. Once educated, she knows how to access information and make informed choices for herself and her family,” he said.

Sanusi further called on policymakers and educational institutions to remove barriers that limit access to quality education, insisting that learning should be regarded as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

“Education is not a privilege. It is not a reward for those fortunate enough to be born into the right family or community. Education is a right, and when systems deny people that right, nations suffer the consequences,” he stated.

The former CBN governor also commended Miva Open University for leveraging technology to expand access to higher education, noting that digital learning platforms have the potential to bridge educational gaps and create opportunities for people regardless of their location or circumstances.

He challenged the graduating students to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and problem-solving, rather than relying solely on traditional employment opportunities.

“The job market is difficult, but those who create opportunities, build solutions and solve problems are the ones who ultimately shape society,” he said.

Sanusi urged the graduates to use their education, skills and values to contribute meaningfully to national development, describing knowledge and integrity as assets that remain invaluable in an increasingly competitive world.

The convocation ceremony marked a significant milestone for Miva Open University, one of Nigeria’s emerging digital learning institutions, as it celebrated its first graduating class.