| The dilemma of female nomadic education within Nigeria's policies and politics inspired this study. The focus on nomadic Fulbe women questions the extent of their gains towards equal educational opportunities within developmental social policies such as education since the inception of the Nomadic Education policy in 1986. The purpose of the study was, within a gender lens, to investigate and provide insights into the implementation and outcomes of the education policy for the social and economic development of nomadic women and girls.; Based on an ethnographic feminist approach, data for the study were collected at nine Fulbe encampments using interviews (focus and individual), observation, documentary sources, video and photographs. The data highlighted issues and information on the causes and course of the policy implementation from all the participants involved.; First, the thematic analysis explored the role and expectations of policy makers, women and girls, teachers and the curriculum in relation to the relevance, expectations, implementation and outcomes of the policy. Then a policy analysis guided by traditional social and political policy approaches was undertaken. This raised questions about the policy intents with reference to assimilation and loss of language. Subsequently, the data were re-analyzed using an adaptation of FAWE's Gender Education Policy Model (1998).; Conclusions drawn from the study outlined the continuing need for the education of women and girls in nomadic populations like that of the Fulbe. Importantly, that the policy makers reconsider the specific religious circumstances of the Muslim Fulbe women and girls and adapt their implementation model to reflect this reality, that proposed curriculum developments be completed but with more consideration for the lives of the females, that girls' schools or classes be supported more with female teachers to ensure coherent checks on girls and women's attendance regularly, that school timetables take cognizance of the local market days, that radio programs and study groups be extended, and that the oversight of the implementation be re-examined to ensure increased efficiencies and effectiveness. These recommendations are meant to challenge the policy's effectiveness and efficiency, and provide for the political feasibility of support for policy innovation, renovation or extensions. |
