Kogi State Government has expressed readiness to establish about 46 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 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 stakeholders’ workshop organised in collaboration with the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) to implement safe spaces in 100 secondary schools across Kogi State.
AGILE State Coordinator, Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello explained that the safe spaces will provide mentorship, peer support, and guidance to adolescent girls, helping them to navigate academic and social challenges.
Bello emphasised that the initiative, supported by the World Bank and the Federal Government, 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 centers 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 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 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, Commissioner For Education, represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Saidu Alaji, emphasised that the government alone cannot address all the challenges in the education sector, stressing the importance of partnerships with AGILE.
He commended the initiative for introducing innovative solutions, particularly in addressing barriers to girl child education as he noted that the project was 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 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.
