Kano: Rano Emirate Bans Early Girl-Child Marriage, Mandates Primary School Completion, Parents React
- Rano Emirate in Kano state outlawed removing girls from primary school for marriage, mandating education completion
- The Emir warned village heads, clerics, and schools against violations, threatening consequences for non-compliance
- Parents praised the policy’s benefits but raised concerns about poverty and enforcement challenges
Lausu, Rano Emirate - The Rano Emirate in Kano state has enacted a new law prohibiting the withdrawal of girls from primary school for marriage.
The legislation also mandates that every school-age child within the community must be enrolled in school to ensure their development as educated citizens.
Source: Twitter
The Emir of Rano, Dr. Muhammad Isah Umaru, announced the policy on Thursday, August 14, during his speech at the matriculation ceremony for Class One students of the 2025/2026 academic session.
The event, organised by the Kano State Universal Education Board (SUBEB) in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and UNICEF, was held in Lausu, Rano Emirate.
Why we banned early girl-child marriage
The Emir emphasised that the law is crucial to enforcing educational policies and safeguarding the future of young girls.
“We will instruct our ward heads, village leaders, traditional titleholders, and clerics to enforce this law strictly. Anyone who disregards it will face consequences,” he declared.
He also issued a stern warning to primary schools and teachers who collude with parents to remove girls from school for marriage.
“We urge everyone to refrain from such acts because those who violate this law will have only themselves to blame for the repercussions,” he added.
Early girl-child marriage: Parents react to ban
Some parents in the emirate have welcomed the decision, while others expressed concerns about cultural and economic challenges.
Malam Ibrahim Yusuf praised the policy, saying it is a good step.
“Education is the key to a better future. If a girl finishes school, she can support herself and her family instead of being married off early.
“The emirate must monitor villages closely and punish offenders. Otherwise, nothing will change,” he told Legit.ng.
However, Malama Aisha Mohammed (not real name), a mother and teacher, raised concerns.
“While I understand the importance of education, some families are poor and see early marriage as a way to reduce financial burden," she said.
“Sometimes, we have to look at it from the parents' point of view. The emir and government should provide more support to parents instead of stopping them from marrying off their daughters."
In a follow-up statement on Friday, August 15, the Emirate’s Publicity Secretary, Nasiru Habu Faragai, reiterated the Emir’s directive, calling on parents across the emirate to enrol their children in school.
He also urged full cooperation with the Kano State Government’s efforts to enhance education and improve citizens' welfare.
Source: Twitter
Kano community bans boyfriend-girlfriend nighttime meetings
In another report, the Sharada community in Kano State has banned boyfriend-girlfriend meetings beyond 10pm as part of sweeping new security measures.
The village head, Alhaji Iliyasu Muazu Sharada, announced the restriction alongside 28 other bylaws following consultations with ward heads and community elders.
“The regulations also prohibit lovers from meeting in tinted vehicles, and ban horse riding during wedding celebrations. Additionally, house agents and lawyers must now obtain the village head's approval before renting out properties,” the village head added.
Source: Legit.ng
Nurudeen Lawal (Head of Politics and Current Affairs Desk) Nurudeen Lawal is an AFP-certified journalist with a wealth of experience spanning over 8 years. He received his B/Arts degree in Literature-in-English from OAU. Lawal is the Head of the Politics/CA Desk at Legit.ng, where he applies his expertise to provide incisive coverage of events. He was named the Political Desk Head of the Year (Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award 2023). He is also a certified fact-checker (Dubawa fellowship, 2020). Contact him at lawal.nurudeen@corp.legit.ng or +2348054399455.
Usman Bello Balarabe (Kano Correspondent) Kano's regional correspondent, Usman Bello Balarabe is a journalist, media strategist, and university lecturer in the state. He worked as an investigative journalist with Daily Trust Newspaper Nigeria. His career is passionately geared towards stimulating social justice, exposing corruption, ensuring good governance and accountability. In his over 7 years of journalism practice, he has authored investigations and numerous special and beat reports at the intersection of environment, health, education, agriculture, public spending, security, and politics.
