The Kogi State Government is set to establish approximately 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 state government also plans to renovate over 726 secondary schools, equipping them with essential tools such as computers and other innovative technologies to enhance the skill set of female students in basic secondary education, helping them acquire vital life skills.
This was disclosed at a stakeholder workshop organised 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 emphasised 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 programme, 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 centres will be established across the state to provide out-of-school girls with literacy and vocational training. The programme 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. He noted that the project will improve infrastructure by supplying modern furniture, instructional materials, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) 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 for Education, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Saidu Alhaji, emphasised that the government alone cannot address all the challenges in the education sector, stressing the importance of partnerships with organisations like Project AGILE.
He commended the initiative for introducing innovative solutions, particularly in addressing barriers to girls’ education. He noted that the project is designed to equip young girls with the necessary skills to navigate life successfully, 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 behavioural 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.
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