The Ekiti state government has emphasized its commitment to ensuring that all children have access to education. The World Bank-supported Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) has been instrumental in achieving this goal, surpassing expectations in enhancing school enrollment, assisting economically disadvantaged students, promoting academic success, and reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti after assessing projects across the state, the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, credited the success of the AGILE program to the dedication of the State Government and the hard work of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).
He highlighted the project’s alignment with Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to providing quality education at all levels, as outlined in the Human Capital Development Agenda of the administration. The state’s focus on education excellence led to the declaration of free and compulsory education at primary and secondary levels, resulting in a significant increase in school enrollment.
Governor Oyebanji’s administration has allocated a substantial portion of the budget to education and is building smart green schools across the state. Additionally, partnerships with private investors are being forged to strengthen education further.
The state government has invested heavily in education, contributing N6.2 billion as counterpart funding for the Universal Basic Education fund and allocating N400 million to clear debts owed to contractors handling projects at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The AGILE initiative has significantly improved the teaching and learning environment in public schools, with infrastructure upgrades and the procurement of teaching materials. Notable achievements include the construction of toilets, classrooms, boreholes, and school perimeter fences, as well as the procurement of teaching and learning materials.
Looking ahead, the state plans to launch the Second Chance Education Programme, aimed at adolescent girls who did not complete their education due to various reasons. This program offers them the opportunity to re-enroll and complete their education, with vocational education and entrepreneurship training provided to enhance their skills and economic independence.
The Ekiti State Government remains committed to providing opportunities for all children to thrive and succeed, regardless of their circumstances or background, through quality education initiatives like AGILE and the Second Chance Education Programme.
