Musa Na Allah Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has Monday flag-off of the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, disbursement of School Improvement Grants to 240 secondary schools.
This marks the commencement of payment of monthly impress of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (200,000) to all categories of secondary schools as announced by the state government.
These schools include Colleges, Secondary Schools, Arabic Schools, Boarding Primary Schools, and Government Almajiri Boarding Schools in the state.
“The total amount to be expended as monthly impress for 330 schools is N66,000,000.00. This impress will be used for maintenance and minor repairs of basic facilities in the schools.”
Governor Aliyu said: “These events mark a significant milestone in our collective efforts to transform the education sector and secure a brighter future for our children, particularly the girl-child.
“As we all know, education is the bedrock of development, and no society can thrive without investing in its people’s education. For too long, barriers such as poverty, cultural norms, infrastructure deficits, and other systemic challenges have hindered our youth—particularly adolescent girls—from realizing their full potential.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to removing these barriers and ensuring that every child in Sokoto State has access to quality education.
“The AGILE Project is a critical component of our broader agenda to improve educational outcomes in the state.
“By focusing on empowering adolescent girls through enhanced access to education, life skills training, and financial support, the project addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities.
“We know that when we educate a girl, we empower not only her, but her entire family, community, and ultimately, our state and nation.
“In line with the objectives of the AGILE Project, the disbursement of School Improvement Grants to 240 secondary schools is designed to improve the learning environment for our students.
“These funds will be used to rehabilitate school infrastructure and provide Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, and other essential learning materials. Additionally, we will ensure that our schools are safe and conducive to effective teaching and learning.”
He charges the principals and School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) of the benefiting schools to utilize these funds transparently and judiciously.
“Every naira should be accounted for, and every project must meet the highest standard of quality.
“The people of Sokoto State are watching, and we must not betray their trust.
“I would like to remind you that we have recently inaugurated project monitoring and verification committees, who have been given a mandate to oversee all our projects and programs to ensure value for money.
“We challenge them to never compromise on quality, the quality of our projects must meet global standards.
“I salute the teachers, who are the backbone of the education system, for their dedication and sacrifice. You play a pivotal role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
“My administration is committed to supporting you through capacity-building programs, improved welfare, and the provision of modern teaching tools.
“To enhance their knowledge and performance, training and retraining of teachers has been conducted in all 23 Local Government Education Areas (LGEAs) in the state.
“We have also procured and distributed 9,852 sets of furniture for both pupils and teachers, in addition to providing other basic school needs across the state.
“To our young girls, I want you to know that you are the reason we are here today. Your education is not only your right but also your pathway to a brighter future.
“We are doing this for you because we believe in your potential to achieve greatness.
“We have reintroduced the School Feeding Program, which now covers 23 Boarding Schools with a population of 17,367 students, at an annual cost of N680,786,400.00.
“We have also procured and distributed sporting facilities to all our public schools across the state.
“Similarly, we have ensured the payment of external examination fees for final-year students, irrespective of their state, tribal, or religious backgrounds.
“Since we came into office, we have constructed 147 classrooms, renovated 142 classrooms, provided 208 VIP toilets, school fencing, and boreholes to ensure a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
“We have also employed 2,000 teachers who have been deployed to teach at secondary and nomadic schools across the state.
“Distinguished audience, we have recently awarded contracts for the total renovation and remodeling of several primary and secondary schools in the state.
“These include the Command Military Schools located in Giginya Barracks and Shagari Local Government, Government Science Secondary School Yabo, Nagarta College, Sultan Abubakar College Sokoto, Government Girls Secondary School Bodinga, GGSS Illela, Sheik Abubakar Gummi Memorial College, Hafsatu Ahmadu Bello Secondary School, Ahmadu Bello Academy, Sani Dingyadi Unity Secondary School, and Sokoto Teachers College.
“We have also renovated Marafa Dan Baba and Tudun Wada Model Primary Schools. These efforts are part of our modest endeavor to make education accessible and attractive, to encourage our students to attend school.”
‘Ladies and gentlemen, education remains one of the top priorities of my administration.
“We have already made significant strides in increasing school enrollment, improving teacher recruitment, training, and re-training, and expanding access to basic and secondary education”.
“However, we know that more work lies ahead, and we are determined to sustain this momentum.”
“At this juncture, I wish to extend my profound gratitude to our able President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for all his support to the state, as well as to the World Bank and all our development partners for their invaluable contributions in making the AGILE Project a reality.
“I also thank the people of Sokoto State for their unwavering support and cooperation. Together, we will build a future where every child, regardless of gender or background, can learn, prosper, and achieve their dreams.
“I hereby declare the commencement of the AGILE Project and the monthly impress for the maintenance of schools in Sokoto State, to the glory of Almighty God.”
