Exploring the trade-off between marriage and educational progress has long been an essential conversation in our society. The topic continues to draw mixed contributions from commentators from several spheres of society. One such sphere that has advocated for striking a balance between the need for marriage and educational pursuits especially for the girl-child is the academic community.
Delivering a presentation themed “Navigating Gender Norms and Societal Expectations with Focus on Marriage and Education” at the instance of the Centre for Career and Mentorship Development (CMCD), the Deputy Librarian, Kaduna State University, Dr Hadiza Talatu Muhammad has called on students of the University to prioritise their educational growth and development as they ponder the idea of getting married and starting a family. Her presentation looked into gender norms prevalent in our societies and how they affect the personal and professional development of students. She urged students to view their education as an opportunity to make society better, citing the important role the girl-child plays in the formulation and promotion of societal values. Her presentation sought to disabuse the minds of students against primordial traditional norms that hinder their educational progress and how to better communicate grievances in order to ensure that their aspirations are supported by their parents, guardians and society at large.
The maiden edition of monthly seminar titled “Thrive and Lead Mentorship Session Series” which held on April 2nd, drew attendance from staff and students of the University and other stakeholders of the University community who shared personal perspectives in a highly interactive session.
Speaking at the seminar, the director of CMCD, Dr Bashariyya Baba Mustapha, tasked the students with ensuring uprightness in their day-to-day lives as she promised to remain steadfast in supporting and mentoring students in their personal and academic pursuits.