How a 13-Year-Old Girl’s Love for Reading Sparked Scholarships, Donations and a Renewed Push for Girl-Child Empowerment
By Matthew Eloyi
A modest workshop for English Language and Literature teachers in Abuja has unexpectedly grown into an inspiring story of talent, mentorship, and a renewed call to empower young girls through education.
Two weeks ago, select teachers from public schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) gathered for a pilot workshop aimed at strengthening their capacity to perform more effectively in the classroom. Organised as part of broader efforts to improve public-school learning outcomes, the event offered participants practical tools and insights to enhance teaching standards.
But the highpoint of the programme turned out to be the free distribution of copies of “Bilquisa”, a book written by Dr. M. S. Abubakar and published by Sprezzatura Publishing Limited. Unknown to the organisers, one of those copies would find its way into the hands of a 13-year-old whose enthusiasm would leave the author stunned.
Mrs. Usman, an English teacher who attended the workshop, took the book home, where her daughter, Dessy Usman, a Senior Secondary School 1 student at Sound Foundation International School, Lugbe, picked it up. Within 48 hours, Dessy had finished reading the entire book and produced a detailed narration of the plot.
The speed, depth, and excitement of her feedback left Dr. Abubakar deeply impressed. Moved by her interest, he invited Dessy and her parents to his office in Abuja for an interactive session that later became an emotional moment for everyone present.
Dr. Abubakar, who doubles as Managing Director of Sprezzatura Publishing Limited and Director of Research and Documentation at the Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC), described Dessy as a “star,” applauding her parents for nurturing her curiosity and discipline.
“I was thrilled to hear that she read the entire book and summarised it within 48 hours,” he said. “Her parents have done an amazing job. She should be proud of them, and grateful to God for blessing her with such wonderful support.”
The author explained that his motivation for writing “Bilquisa” was not financial gain but the desire to address sensitive challenges faced by teenagers, including masturbation, pre-marital sex, peer pressure, and inappropriate relationships between students and teachers. He emphasised strengthening the girl-child through education, moral guidance, financial literacy, and self-confidence.
In a gesture meant to encourage the young reader and inspire other students like her, Dr. Abubakar announced a scholarship covering 50 percent of Dessy’s tuition until she completes secondary school. The scholarship is sponsored by Sprezzatura Publishing Limited in collaboration with TBRC.
He also made a personal donation of ₦100,000 to Dessy, supported by members of Sprezzatura Publishing Limited. To further promote reading culture in schools, he donated 100 copies of “Bilquisa” to her school and an additional 50 books from TBRC.
Dessy’s father, Mr. David Usman, expressed gratitude for the recognition and support, describing it as an unforgettable honour for his daughter and family.
Earlier, Dessy shared her excitement upon seeing the book, saying the title alone drew her in. She said “Bilquisa” taught her critical lessons on avoiding peer pressure, pre-marital sex, and other distractions facing young people.
“It is inspiring and full of moral lessons for girls like me,” she said.
“Bilquisa” tells the story of Alumbrado, a young, principled teacher whose path crosses with Bilquisa, a confident teenage student who sees herself as a femme fatale. The story explores the complex relationship between teachers and students, touching on themes such as forgiveness, consent versus rape, early marriage, and the role of law in protecting minors.
The book has been assessed and recommended for general readership by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
What began as a teacher-training workshop has now become a powerful narrative of mentorship, one that celebrates the impact of books, the promise of young talent, and the role of society in guiding girls toward a brighter future.