In a bid to promote and enhance girl-child education across Nigeria, the Federal Government, through the Adolescent Girl Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), has initiated strategic measures to ensure that every adolescent girl receives quality education.
Dr. Saddiki Liman, the Adamawa State Coordinator of AGILE, emphasized the program’s commitment to transforming educational opportunities for adolescent girls. He noted that poverty and limited access to education have long hindered the progress of girls’ education in the country, but AGILE aims to address these challenges effectively.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting in Yola, Liman revealed that the initiative has earmarked 32 junior and senior secondary schools for construction across 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa State.
“This infrastructure development is expected to provide additional learning facilities and create a conducive environment for academic excellence,” he stated.
Beyond new constructions, AGILE will also focus on school renovations and improvement grants. So far, 1,070 public schools in the state have been assessed, and financial support will be provided for renovations and upgrades. These grants are categorized into three tiers, ranging from $15,000 to $150,000, depending on student enrollment numbers.
The project also prioritizes digital skills training and non-formal education. Seventy non-formal education centers have been selected for renovation, and participants will receive training in various skills to enhance their employability.
A key aspect of the initiative is reaching adolescent girls who have missed out on education due to poverty, cultural restrictions, or early marriage. The program aims to enroll 54,000 girls back into school, particularly those transitioning from primary to junior secondary school and from junior to senior secondary school.
To ensure accountability, schools must submit their admission registers to the Ministry of Education, and a minimum attendance rate of 70% must be maintained to qualify for funding.
With these initiatives, AGILE is set to reshape the educational landscape for adolescent girls, fostering greater access to learning and empowering young girls for a brighter future.
