Empowerment

Nasarawa AGILE Project Begins with Bold Steps to Empower Girls

Published

1 year ago

July 29, 2025

Nasarawa AGILE Project kicks off with N150m investment to upgrade 490 schools, boost girls’ education, and empower adolescent girls across 13 LGAs

Nasarawa AGILE Project officially launched Monday in Lafia, marking a transformative milestone in girl-child education across the state’s 13 local government areas.

Also read: Cerba Lancet Menstrual Hygiene Campaign Empowers Lagos Schoolgirls with Health Education

Governor Abdullahi Sule, while flagging off the initiative, revealed that the project was approved following the state’s payment of a ₦150 million counterpart fund, aligning with World Bank requirements.

According to the governor, the AGILE (Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment) project targets 490 public secondary schools in its first phase.

It aims to address challenges of access, retention, and quality in girls’ education—an issue that has hindered academic progress for thousands of adolescent girls across Nigeria.

Governor Sule commended the Federal Ministry of Education for selecting Nasarawa, pledging transparency and efficient resource management through School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs).

“The programme supports schools, families, and communities, empowering girls with the skills to stay in school and thrive,”* Sule said.

He also noted plans to recruit new teachers for schools constructed under the AGILE program, which focuses not only on education but also on self-development, infrastructure, and hygiene improvements.

AGILE State Coordinator, Aishatu Isoga, outlined the project’s core mission—expanding education opportunities for vulnerable adolescent girls aged 10–20.

Interventions include school renovations, learning material provision, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) upgrades, and community sensitization to reduce barriers to education.

“This is about empowering communities to prioritize education through school-level grants that match real, local needs,” Isoga emphasized.

The project’s School Improvement Grant will support 515 schools in three funding categories—331 small, 159 medium, and 25 large grants.

The first phase focuses on 490 schools, where funds will be directly disbursed for infrastructure development and inclusive learning spaces.

Commissioner for Education, John Mamman, welcomed the initiative, pledging the ministry’s support to ensure seamless implementation across all LGAs.

Also read: Empowering Girls Through STEAM Innovation With Lifelong Digital Skills

This ambitious initiative echoes Nigeria’s broader commitment to female empowerment, poverty reduction, and human capital development, with Nasarawa setting a leading example through bold action and collaborative governance.

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State development

Bauchi Urges Girls to Pursue Education and Skilled Jobs

Published

2 weeks ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi girls’ education campaign urges students to complete school, learn vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men

Girls in Bauchi State have been encouraged to complete their education, acquire vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men as part of efforts to promote financial independence and reduce gender inequality.

Also read: Rest of World to Shut Down as Search for New Home Continues

The call was made on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at an event in Bauchi to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.

The event was organised under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, and Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative.

Speaking at the event, Mustapha Idris, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative, said the annual observance aimed to raise awareness of girls’ rights and promote their well-being.

He said the programme was designed to encourage girls to explore a wider range of professions and address gender disparities in the workplace.

Idris urged students to use their school holidays to learn practical skills, including shoemaking and soap production, which could help them earn an income and improve their economic prospects.

“Girls should not feel ashamed of learning a trade or engaging in legitimate businesses. These skills can provide them with sources of income, promote financial independence and reduce their reliance on others,” he said.

Monica Tanko, Executive Director of Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, urged the girls to remain committed to their education and avoid leaving school before completing their studies.

She also encouraged them to develop practical skills alongside their formal education, saying the combination could help prepare them for future challenges and employment opportunities.

Tanko stressed the importance of self-reliance while encouraging the students to maintain their personal dignity as they pursued their ambitions.

Timothy Ibrahim, an engineer with more than 20 years of professional experience, encouraged the students to consider engineering and other professions in which women have traditionally been underrepresented.

He urged them not to allow gender stereotypes to discourage them from pursuing their interests, adding that girls could excel when they had access to opportunities, encouragement and support.

His message reinforced the event’s call for girls to look beyond occupations traditionally associated with women and explore careers across technical and professional fields.

The event was attended by female students from several schools in Bauchi metropolis, including Rafin Zurfi, Bakaro, Unguwar Doya, Gudun Sayawa and the Federal Government Girls’ College.

The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to promote girls’ rights and draw attention to challenges affecting their development.

The Bauchi event used the occasion to highlight the importance of education, vocational training and access to a wider range of career opportunities.

The organisers’ message was that empowering girls requires more than keeping them in school.

Also read: Rest of World to Shut Down as Search for New Home Continues

Access to practical skills, supportive role models and opportunities to enter different professions can also help young women build greater economic independence and participate more fully in their communities.