THE DECLINE OF MUSLIM WOMEN'S EDUCATION IN CONTEMPORARY NGURU TOWN, YOBE STATE BY KACHALLA ALHAJI GREMA 21/02/03/012

ABSTRACT This study investigated the decline of Muslim women’s education in contemporary Nguru town, Yobe State, with the aim of understanding its historical foundations, identifying the major factors responsible for the decline, analyzing socio-cultural, religious, and economic barriers, assessing community attitudes, and exploring strategies for revival. The research adopted a descriptive survey design, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 399 respondents, out of which 380 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage. The findings revealed that Muslim women in Nguru historically had access to Qur’anic education and that female scholars were once recognized in the society. However, colonial and post-colonial systems disrupted this legacy, creating structures that marginalized women in formal schooling. Key factors identified for the present decline include early marriage, poverty, insecurity, lack of female teachers, and inadequate school infrastructure. Socio-cultural beliefs favoring boys’ education, parental fears of Western education, household responsibilities, and certain religious teachings were also found to hinder girls’ educational advancement. Despite these barriers, the study discovered that community attitudes are gradually shifting, as educated women are respected, girl-only schools are supported, and many religious leaders now encourage women’s education. Respondents proposed practical strategies for revival, including scholarships, advocacy by religious leaders, girl-friendly schools, integration of Islamic and Western education, and community-government partnerships. The study concludes that although Muslim women’s education in Nguru has experienced a significant decline, there are strong prospects for revival if the identified strategies are implemented in a culturally sensitive and collaborative manner.