The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the successful implementation of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) program in the state, indicating a strong focus on enhancing educational opportunities for adolescent girls. This affirmation was articulated by Mohammed Alkali, the Commissioner for Basic Education, during a two-day sensitisation workshop aimed at empowering School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in junior and senior secondary schools. Represented by Prof. Mustapha Tukur, Executive Secretary of the Female Education Board, Alkali highlighted the state government’s proactive steps, including the timely release of counterpart funding for the AGILE project by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, showcasing a collaborative approach to education reform and improvement in the state.
The workshop’s objectives included equipping SBMC members with the knowledge and skills necessary to oversee various AGILE initiatives being implemented in their localities. Alkali expressed optimism about the program’s early successes, noting that it is already producing positive results in local communities. The SBMC members were highlighted as essential participants in this initiative, serving as representatives of both the government and the AGILE program. The training is positioned as a critical step towards better school governance, with Alkali emphasizing the importance of empowering these committees to effectively manage educational projects and initiatives relevant to their communities.
Alkali urged the SBMC members to exercise responsible stewardship over their allotted funds, stressing the consequences of misappropriation, which would invoke legal repercussions. This call for accountability aligns with the overarching goals of the AGILE program, which seeks to democratize education governance through community involvement. By ensuring that SBMCs are well-informed and capable of managing resources properly, the government aims to enhance the efficacy of education delivery and empower local communities to take an active role in the educational landscape.
Dr. Mansur Buhari, the state project coordinator, elaborated on the training’s objectives, which focus on delineating the roles and responsibilities of SBMC members in the AGILE program. The emphasis was placed on the community-centric nature of AGILE, asserting that local involvement is critical to achieving better school infrastructure and educational outcomes. Buhari further outlined that collaboration with SBMCs will ensure that construction and renovation projects are executed in compliance with established standards and budgets, thereby promoting sustainability and long-term success in Kaduna’s educational efforts.
The two-phase implementation plan for the AGILE program was presented by project engineer Zayyanu Alkanchi, highlighting the infrastructure improvements being made to support adolescent girls’ education. The first phase involves enhancing basic school facilities, such as providing boreholes, solar lights, and toilets, all designed to create a conducive learning environment that encourages increased enrolment rates. Alkanchi revealed that 240 schools have been earmarked for improvements, with an expansion planned for additional schools in 2025, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to educational development in the state.
The commitment to the AGILE initiative not only reflects the Sokoto State Government’s resolve to improve educational access for adolescent girls but also underscores a broader vision for lasting community involvement in school administration. Through training, resource management, and infrastructure development, the government aims to create a sustainable framework that fosters educational empowerment and contributes to the overall progress of the region. As the program unfolds, all stakeholders are encouraged to continue supporting the initiative, ensuring that the goals of AGILE are met and educational equity is achieved for all girls in the region.
