The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project in Katsina State celebrated a major achievement with the commissioning of 75 newly constructed secondary schools. The event, held during the Implementation Support Mission on Thursday, November 21st, 2024, showcased the state’s dedication to enhancing access to quality education, particularly for girls.
The ceremony was graced by prominent figures, including the World Bank Country Director, Dr. Ndiame Diop, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mal. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, the Task Team Leader for the Project, the National Project Coordinator, and the AGILE State Project Coordinator. Each speaker highlighted the AGILE Project’s transformative impact on education and its role in empowering adolescent girls across the state.
The event also marked the successful completion of Phase I of the AGILE Project, with 75 schools (45 Junior Secondary Schools and 30 Senior Secondary Schools) planned for construction. Currently, 78% of these schools have been completed and handed over to both the project and local communities. The remaining schools are expected to be completed by the end of December 2024. In addition to this, approval has been granted for the construction of 75 more Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, bringing the total number of schools under the AGILE intervention to 150.
As part of the Implementation Support Mission, visits were conducted to schools renovated under the Small, Large, and Mega Grants provided by the AGILE Project. These visits offered an opportunity for key stakeholders, including School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), students, and teachers, to provide valuable feedback. Stakeholders expressed their appreciation for the improved facilities and highlighted the positive impact on teaching and learning conditions. They also identified areas for further support, including the need for additional teacher training and educational resources.
The World Bank Country Director commended the community’s active involvement, stressing the importance of local ownership in ensuring the sustainability of the initiative. The National Project Coordinator praised Katsina State’s commitment to the project’s objectives, emphasizing the need to maintain the momentum to achieve long-term goals.
The 75 newly constructed schools, along with the renovated schools under the grant scheme, underscore the AGILE Project’s mission to increase enrollment, retention, and completion rates for girls in secondary education. With a strong focus on teacher training, incentives, and support services, Katsina State continues to lead the way in fostering socio-economic development through strategic investments in education.
Katsina State, Nigeria