The Kogi State government, through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), has unveiled plans to construct new sets of classrooms and vocational centers in 21 local government areas.
The announcement was made by the State Project Coordinator (SPC), Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, during a sensitization program at the Glass House in Lokoja.
This initiative, which will see the renovation of existing government secondary schools, is expected to enhance the quality of education and provide much-needed infrastructure to public institutions across the state. Dr. Bello emphasized that the project would focus on more than just physical infrastructure. The new classrooms, which will come equipped with modern amenities such as toilets, sports facilities, and science laboratories, are part of a broader vision to restore the lost glory of secondary education in the state.
“AGILE will not just build schools, but will equip them with solar-powered computer labs and provide internet connectivity, enabling our students to be at the forefront of technological advancements,” Dr. Bello remarked.
The AGILE initiative will also introduce vocational centers aimed at addressing the needs of school dropouts and empowering them with skills that can provide a pathway to self-sufficiency.
Through the “Second Chance” education program, girls who have dropped out of school will receive training in Basic English and vocational skills, helping them reintegrate into the educational system and improving their long-term prospects. Dr. Bello stressed the importance of this component in providing opportunities for girls who might otherwise be left behind.
A key aspect of the AGILE project is its focus on the girl child. Dr. Bello explained that a special component of the initiative would involve training girls on “Life Expectancy,” which will help them navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
This life skills program aims to equip girls with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health, education, and future, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives both in school and beyond. “This project is as much about building character as it is about constructing classrooms,” he said.
In addition to physical infrastructure and life skills education, the AGILE project will also introduce conditional cash transfers to encourage families to send their girls to school. The program will also prioritize the training and retraining of teachers to ensure that the educators are well-equipped to deliver quality education to their students. This holistic approach aims to break down barriers to education and ensure that the benefits of the project are felt across the entire state.
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Dr. Bello concluded by calling for the collective support of the media, civil society organizations, and local communities to ensure the successful implementation of the AGILE project.
He emphasized that this initiative is not just about building physical structures, but about shaping the future of Kogi’s youth, particularly young girls. He urged all stakeholders to remain actively engaged, providing feedback and support throughout the course of the project.
