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.

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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.

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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.