Kogi State Government is to establish about 50 new secondary schools to provide critical life skills for over 20,000 adolescent girls in the state under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).
The government also plans to renovate over 726 secondary schools, equipping them with critical tools such as computers and other innovative technologies to enhance the skill set of female students in basic secondary education, helping them attain essential life skills
This was disclosed at a stakeholder workshop organized in collaboration with the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) to implement safe spaces in 100 secondary schools across Kogi State.
Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, the AGILE State Coordinator, explained that the safe spaces will provide mentorship, peer support, and guidance to adolescent girls, helping them navigate academic and social challenges.
He emphasized that the initiative, supported by the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria, is designed to equip young girls with essential skills in health, relationships, advocacy, and decision-making.
“As part of the program, safe spaces will be created in 100 secondary schools to provide adolescent girls with mentorship, peer support, and guidance in navigating academic and social challenges.
Additionally, 21 vocational centers will be established across the state to provide out-of-school girls with literacy and vocational training.
The program will also offer scholarships ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦50,000 to girls in public secondary schools, ensuring greater access to education,” he said.
Bello further disclosed that the AGILE Project also aims to enhance secondary education in Kogi State by providing conditional cash transfers for female students noted that the project will improve infrastructure with modern furniture, instructional materials, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene facilities, including solar-powered toilets.
He added that ICT hubs will be established to promote digital literacy, equipping students with essential technological skills.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Education, represented by the permanent secretary, Dr. Saidu emphasized that the government alone cannot address all the challenges in the education sector, stressing the importance of partnerships with organizations like Project AGILE.
He commended the initiative for introducing innovative solutions, particularly in addressing barriers to girl child education as he noted that the project is designed to equip young girls with the necessary skills to navigate life successfully by ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive academically and professionally.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of NISD, Engr. Stephen Tsalo, stated that the AGILE project (2025–2027) aims to support 21,634 adolescent girls in Kogi State by promoting peer mentorship, personal development, and behavioral change to reduce teenage pregnancy and school dropout rates.
Tsalo stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement, adaptive strategies, and collaboration to overcome challenges, aiming to create a sustainable model that equips girls with life skills and prepares them for leadership.
(Kogi Flame)
