ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on the kidnapping of nearly 300 girls in Chibok, Nigeria, in April 2014. The case involves issues including human rights, gender equality, governance, and leadership. The idea is that anything “Western,” including concepts of equality and education for both genders, weakens the Muslim religion and is a cause of poverty. Over the years, scholars have stressed the role of education as a fundamental human right and an essential means for achieving equality, progress, and peace. It is proven beyond doubt that educating girls is solidly linked to poverty reduction and economic growth. Leadership involves decisions about priorities, especially in situations where there are competing uses for scarce resources. As such, decisions on education can be considered political decisions. Gender ideology, poverty, and the quality of leadership (as reflected in coordination, readiness, and decision-making) are issues that will remain under scrutiny in Nigeria for many years to come.