Lausu, Kano State – In a decisive move to promote education and protect the rights of young girls, the Rano Emirate in Kano State has officially enacted a law prohibiting the withdrawal of girls from primary school for the purpose of early marriage. The policy also mandates compulsory enrollment and completion of primary education for all school-age children in the emirate.
Emir of Rano Declares Zero Tolerance for Early Marriage
Announcing the new directive on Thursday, August 14, the Emir of Rano, Dr. Muhammad Isah Umaru, made it clear that traditional and religious leaders will be held accountable for enforcing the law across the emirate.
Speaking during the matriculation ceremony for Class One students of the 2025/2026 academic session—an event jointly organized by Kano SUBEB, UBEC, and UNICEF—the Emir emphasized the long-term importance of education in community development.
“We are instructing ward heads, village leaders, clerics, and school authorities to ensure that no girl is withdrawn from school for marriage,” the Emir declared.
“Anyone found violating this law will face serious consequences.”
He further warned teachers and school administrators against colluding with parents to facilitate early marriages, stressing that such actions directly undermine the emirate’s development goals.
Community Reactions: Praise and Concerns
The policy has sparked mixed reactions among residents of the Rano Emirate.
Malam Ibrahim Yusuf, a local resident, praised the initiative:
“Education is the foundation for a better future. If girls complete school, they can become self-reliant and contribute to society instead of being married off at a young age.
The key is enforcement. Without it, the law won’t be effective.”
However, Malama Aisha Mohammed (name changed), a mother and teacher, expressed concerns about the socioeconomic realities many families face:
“While the goal is admirable, poverty is real. For some families, marrying off a daughter reduces the financial burden. The government and emirate should focus on supporting these families alongside enforcing the law.”
Emirate Issues Official Statement
In a follow-up statement on Friday, August 15, Nasiru Habu Faragai, Publicity Secretary of the Rano Emirate Council, reiterated the Emir’s directive, calling on all parents to enroll their children in school without delay.
He also urged full cooperation with the Kano State Government’s education initiatives, adding that the emirate is committed to building an enlightened, self-sustaining future generation.
Meanwhile in Kano: Community Bans Late-Night Dating and Tinted Vehicles for Lovers
In a separate development, the Sharada community in Kano State has introduced a new set of bylaws aimed at improving local security and social order.
Village Head Alhaji Iliyasu Muazu Sharada announced a 10:00 PM curfew on boyfriend-girlfriend meetings, alongside restrictions on horse riding during weddings, meetings in tinted vehicles, and new regulations requiring house agents and lawyers to seek approval before renting out properties.
“These rules were agreed upon after consultations with community elders and are designed to protect our values and ensure peace,” he stated.
