The Bauchi State Chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has disclosed that it has established 20 formal schools over the past 40 years across nine local government areas.
The State Chairperson, Hajiya Habiba Usman, made this known at a press conference held on Monday in Bauchi, as part of activities marking the 40th anniversary of the association’s establishment.
According to Usman, since its inception in 1985, the association has prioritised five thematic areas: education, health, da’awa (evangelism), humanitarian services, and good governance.
“At present, the state chapter operates 20 formal schools, comprising 12 nursery/primary schools and eight junior and senior secondary schools across nine LGAs, with a combined enrolment of 305,021 pupils and students,” she said.
In the non-formal education sector, Usman explained that the association runs 10 centres focused on literacy, numeracy, and vocational skills, in addition to over 28 women’s Islamiyya centres.
Also Read: Bauchi Flags Off N6.7bn Oil and Gas Academy
Speaking on its da’awa activities, she noted that more than 23 communities mainly in Dass and Ganjuwa LGAs had been reached with messages promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Usman also revealed that in 2008, the chapter established the first clinic in the state owned by an Islamic organisation.
“In partnership with the Albasar Foundation, we have provided free ophthalmic services, including surgeries and corrective lenses, to 150 patients. We have also conducted free breast and cervical cancer screenings for 135 women,” she added.
On humanitarian interventions, she stated that the association had distributed palliatives to approximately 23,041 underprivileged households and supported the formation and capacity-building of more than 700 women’s village savings and loan groups.
The chairperson further noted that FOMWAN has consistently sensitised women on leadership and governance to encourage greater participation in policymaking and decision-making processes.
While acknowledging financial constraints facing the organisation, Usman expressed confidence that, in the near future, FOMWAN would be in a position to provide grants to smaller civil society groups engaged in development work.
She called on stakeholders to join in celebrating FOMWAN’s legacy and continue supporting its mission of community empowerment and humanitarian service.
FOMWAN operates a structured organisational system extending from the national to the ward level within the state.
The theme of the anniversary celebration is: “Celebrating 40 Years of FOMWAN’s Impactful Life Legacy of Empowering Communities through Development and Humanitarian Services”.
