Othma
The Othman Danfodio Girls Vocational School, Kaduna has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young girls, orphans, and disadvantaged youth through a blend of Islamic, western, and vocational education.
Speaking during the school’s 5th Qur’anic graduation ceremony held at Unguwar Sunusi, Kaduna, the Director and Secretary of the school, Salma Umma Idris, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for making the event possible.
She commended parents, guardians, and teachers for their continuous support and sacrifices toward the growth of the students and the institution.
According to her, the school was established in 2001 to cater for out-of-school girls and orphans by providing them with both Islamic and vocational training. Over the years, it has expanded to include western education at the primary level, enabling hundreds of young girls to acquire life-changing skills and religious knowledge.
While celebrating the progress recorded, Mrs. Idris lamented the daunting challenges confronting the school, particularly insecurity, infrastructure decay, and lack of basic facilities.
“One of the major problems bedevilling the school is insecurity. We have recorded several cases of theft, including the recent stealing of all our fence burglaries,” she revealed.
She added that erosion had also damaged parts of the school’s structure, threatening the safety of pupils and staff.
Appealing for urgent assistance, the Director called on government agencies, corporate bodies, and philanthropists to help the school construct a two-storey workshop building and a modern ICT centre equipped with at least 350 computers.
She explained that such facilities would not only improve teaching and learning but also generate revenue through ICT-related services such as JAMB, WAEC, and NECO registrations.
Mrs. Idris also appealed for support in providing solar power to sustain the school’s free evening and afternoon Islamiyya classes, which currently serve over 700 pupils.
She emphasized that since its establishment, the school has never undergone renovation, making the need for rehabilitation urgent.
“Our school is in dire need of support from patriotic citizens to help us rid society of idle youth roaming the streets without direction. We want to empower them through vocational training and real skills that will make them productive members of society,” she stated.
She congratulated the graduating students, urging them to uphold the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and be worthy ambassadors of the institution.
“Today’s graduation is not just about completing the recitation of the Qur’an—it’s about building a better tomorrow for our children, families, and nation. Together, we can make this vision a reality,” she added.
The event attracted parents, scholars, and community leaders, who commended the management of the school for its sustained efforts in promoting both religious and vocational education among girls and vulnerable youth.
COV: Adamu Yusuf
