THE DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN EDUCATION IN ZARIA CITY 1976-2006

Given the fact that women education serve as a catalyst in achieving development, therefore this study titled ‘the development of women education in Zaria city 1976-2006 examined the history and the development of women in Zaria city. The society of Zaria city during pre-colonial period had developed two forms of educational systems, Islamic education and traditional education. In a traditional educational system, elderly members of the society impart knowledge and skills to the younger members of the society both at home and outside the home while Islamic education was conducted in a formal way where classes were held. Prior to the advent of British colonial rule and western education in Zaria, most parents denied their women the right to education due to socio-cultural belief and economic poverty. The year 1976 saw  massive development of women education in Zaria city due to encouraging parent allowing their children to go to school free for all women, building of schools and the establishment of women association ‘Women in Politics’ in 1976 a driving factor to the development of women education in Zaria city. Therefore the development of women education brought somanyimpac to the society which include the rise of women activist like Haj GamboSawaba, HajiaRakiya Musa. Whome were the fouders of women in politics organisation. It also point out the participation of women in political activities like HajiaRakiya Musa ones a commissioner HajiaSafiyaTukur was also ones a commissioner.

    Education in its broad perspective is life long process which aims at equipping individuals effectively with acceptable skills, knowledge, beliefs, facts and competences that will enable him to cope favourably with the challenges of the society. It comprises all efforts, conscious or direct, incidental or indirect made by a given society to accomplish certain objectives that are considered desirable in terms of individuals needs as well as the needs of the society were the program is based. The most important role of education is that it serves as a veritable instruments to counter the constraints posed by a dynamic society where man lives.[i]

This chapter gives a general background to this discourse.it introduces the reader to what the researcher has done in the course of this research. Thus the chapter provides the aim and objectives of the study and as well as the methodology the researcher has used in carrying out this research work. It also contributes to knowledge generally. The chapter also examine the geography of Zaria city and its actual foundation as both a political and commercial capital as wellas an emirate.