63-Year-Old Kano Grandmother Returns to School, Learns Alongside Her Grandchildren

A 63-year-old Kano grandmother, Furera Muhammad, returned to school alongside her grandchildren to fulfil her lifelong dream of getting an education while encouraging parents to prioritise girls’ schooling.

A 63-year-old grandmother from Kano State, Furera Muhammad, has fulfilled her long-held dream of getting an education by enrolling in an Islamic school in Rigafada, where she now attends classes alongside some of her grandchildren. Her decision has drawn attention as an inspiring example that learning has no age limit.

Furera explained that when she was growing up, girls in her community were rarely given the opportunity to attend school. Looking back, she said she regrets missing out on formal education and believes she would have become a teacher if she had been allowed to study during her childhood. Despite her age, she remains determined to learn and improve herself.

She said returning to the classroom is not only for her personal fulfilment but also to encourage parents to prioritise the education of their daughters. According to her, she hopes her story will inspire young girls to remain committed to their studies and show families that educating girls can transform lives and communities.

Furera shared her experience during a community engagement programme organised by the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) in partnership with the Ford Foundation under the Grannies Network for Change (G-NEC) project. The initiative brought together dozens of grandmothers to discuss ways older women can promote girls’ education, challenge harmful social norms, and help reduce gender-based violence and verbal abuse within families.

The G-NEC project is currently being implemented in selected communities across Kano and Jigawa states. It aims to empower grandmothers to use their influence within their families and communities to support girls’ education, encourage safer environments for women and girls, and promote positive social change through dialogue and awareness campaigns.

Furera’s story reflects the project’s central message that education should never be limited by age. Her determination to return to school decades after missing the opportunity serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of giving every child—especially girls—the chance to receive an education and pursue their dreams.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, LEGIT