Katsina State Branch, in collaboration with the Voice of the Voiceless Women and Orphanage Foundation and the Community Learning Centre, held a graduation ceremony on 15th September 2026 for over 250 women who successfully completed a literacy programme at three literacy centres in Katsina State.
The event, held on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, at the Window on America (WOA), Katsina Branch, was organised under the theme, “Literacy and Livelihood: Empowering Women for Economic Growth through Non-Formal Education in Katsina State.”
The ceremony which attracted government officials, representatives of non-governmental and development organisations, community leaders, literacy volunteers and other stakeholders, provided a platform to celebrate the achievements of the graduating women and highlight the role of non-formal education in promoting literacy, economic empowerment and lifelong learning.
Felicitating with the graduands, the National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi who joined the celebration virtually, congratulated the graduating women and commended them for their achievements, while expressing delight at the progress recorded through the literacy initiative.
Addressing the participants, Mrs. Amina Maje Sayyadi the Head of Branch of the Katsina State Branch emphasized the importance of literacy in improving women’s everyday lives. She noted that literacy equips women with the knowledge and confidence to manage their households effectively, support their families, make informed decisions and improve their businesses and livelihoods. She also encouraged the women to make regular use of the National Library as a resource centre for acquiring knowledge, developing new skills and continuing their education beyond the classroom.
The Keynote Speaker, Hajiya Rabi Sodangi, National Coordinator, Home of Hospitality and Development Initiative, commended the graduating women for their determination and commitment to education despite family responsibilities and financial challenges.
Hajiya Rabi Sodangi who was represented by Hajiya Zainab Isa Kaita urged the women to remain committed to lifelong learning, stressing that acquiring knowledge at any stage of life can contribute to improving the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
Speaking on behalf of the literacy volunteers and Community Learning Centre, Malam Muhammad Ruma and Malam Husaini stated that despite the challenges faced by the women in combining education with family responsibilities and economic demands, the participants remained committed to their studies and successfully completed the programme.
A graduand, Maryam Muhammad, interacted with the National Librarian in English, showcasing the progress she had made through the literacy programme. She also expressed appreciation, on behalf of the graduating women, for the support provided towards their education and empowerment.
The State Agency for Mass Education presented certificates to the 250 women who successfully completed the two-year Post-Literacy Level 2 programme.
The celebration reaffirmed the transformative potential of non-formal education in equipping women with literacy, knowledge and confidence to participate more effectively in their families, businesses and communities.