Sanusi Explains Main Cause of Child Marriage in Northern Nigeria

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said that child marriage in parts of northern Nigeria is mainly caused by the government’s failure to provide enough schools and opportunities for girls after primary education.

Sanusi made this statement on Wednesday while speaking on The Morning Brief, a programme on Channels Television.

He was discussing culture, education, and social reform.
According to him, many people talk about child marriage but ignore the real problems pushing families to make such decisions.

He explained that many girls finish primary school at a very young age, but there are no secondary schools, skill centres, or training opportunities for them to continue learning.

Sanusi said that in these situations, poor families often marry off their daughters out of fear and lack of options, not because of culture or tradition.

He also criticised city-based opinions that do not understand rural life, noting that many villages have unsafe roads, faraway or non-existent schools, and weak local government services.

“There’s no secondary school, no skill centre, and no plan for the girl’s future,” he said.

“In some parts of the North, all you find is a primary school, and that’s all.”
Sanusi stressed that without education and opportunities for young girls, the problem of child marriage will continue.