'My father wants me to marry his friend instead of going to school'

What would you advice a teenager whose parents want to give out in marriage instead of going to school?

"Dear Pulse,

My name is Maryam. I am 18-years-old from Kano State. I have a big problem and I hope your readers can help me with good advice on how to deal with it.

I finished my secondary education last year with one of the best results in my school and I did very well with my JAMB. I was given admission into the Bayero University, Kano, to study Mass Communication but my father does not want me to further my education because he does not believe in the girl-child education.

Rather, he wants me to get married to his friend, a man who is 68-years-old with grand children older than I am. Even going as far as secondary school was through the efforts of my mother who did everything to see that I get education.

I have six older sisters and all of them were married off very early but I know the impact of education in today's world and I really want to get educated so that I can contribute to the development of Nigeria instead of being married off to an old pervert.

My father has vowed to disown me and send my mother away if I do not marry his friend. They have even fixed the date for this December but I have vowed never to get married to the old man. I have told my father that if he forces me into the marriage, I will commit suicide or run away from home.

I want to know what steps to take.

Thank you.

Maryam,

Kano."

 

source pulse.ng