UNFPA engages Sokoto students to consider Midwifery as career choice
By Animasahun Salman Sokoto
Final-year students in Sokoto State have been encouraged to pursue careers in Midwifery 
as a way of saving lives and strengthening healthcare delivery across communities.
The call was made on Monday during a Career Guidance Talk for adolescent schoolgirls held at Government Girls’ College and Hafsatu Ahmadu Bello Model Arabic Secondary School, organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as part of activities marking this year’s World Midwives’ Day.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Ward Development Committee (WDC), Dr. Aliyu Bala Gadanga, said more young women were needed in the profession to tackle maternal and infant deaths.
“Midwifery is a noble, respected and rewarding profession. By becoming midwives, you will help save mothers and babies while building a secure future for yourselves,” he said.
Dr. Gadanga, who is also Director of Health Services at SAISA University of Science and Technology, noted that many women still lose their lives from complications such as prolonged labour, bleeding, high blood pressure and unsafe abortion.
He praised United Nations Population Fund for championing the campaign, saying the theme, “One Million More Midwives,” reflects the urgent need for more trained professionals to care for women and children.
Also speaking, Deputy Director of International Cooperation at the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Hajiya Jamila Abubakar Gatawa, stressed that marriage should never prevent girls from getting an education.
“Educated women are the backbone of every healthy society, especially in the healthcare sector. No girl should be denied the chance to learn and succeed,” she said.
She announced that United Nations Population Fund, with support from the European Union-SARAH Project, would provide scholarships to 500 women and girls under the Community Midwifery Scholarship and Bonding Scheme.
“This is a golden opportunity for young women who want to build careers and serve their communities,” she added.
Jamila Gatawa pledged government support to ensure fairness and transparency in selecting beneficiaries.
In separate remarks, UNFPA Programme Assistant, Mr. Benedict Essong, and Gender-Based Violence/Sexual and Reproductive Health Community Mobilizer, Adamu Haman, said the programme was part of efforts to reduce maternal deaths, end gender-based violence and help young people reach their full potential.
They urged students to study hard and meet the required subject combinations for admission into midwifery programmes.
A lecturer from College of Nursing Sciences Sokoto, Malama Rabi Muhammad Sani, outlined admission requirements for studying midwifery and encouraged students to remain focused.
“Midwifery is more than a career—it is service to humanity. Your communities need you,” she said.
Other speakers included officials from the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Family Planning Unit, and representatives of young women living with disabilities.
