Nigeria’s second-chance schools: women balancing study and survival
Summary
In northern Nigeria, many women and girls leave school early due to poverty, early marriage, and cultural beliefs. The Women Centre for Continuing Education (WCCE) in Sokoto helps women return to school by offering free education and a shorter curriculum. This second-chance education supports women in gaining skills and improving their lives despite ongoing social challenges.Key Facts
- Many girls in northern Nigeria drop out of school because of poverty and early marriage.
- Over half of the girls in the region do not attend school, according to UNICEF.
- The Women Centre for Continuing Education (WCCE) was founded in 1997 to help adult women learn new skills and continue their education.
- WCCE offers a three-year primary program and three years each for junior and senior secondary education.
- Students at WCCE take official exams at the end of their studies, like the Junior and Senior School Certificate exams.
- Education at WCCE is free, supported by the Sokoto state government, but students still pay for books and transport.
- Cultural norms often prioritize boys’ education and household duties for girls, making it harder for women to return to school.
- Women who return to education through programs like WCCE can gain jobs such as teaching and nursing, helping address skill shortages.
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