Plateau State governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has awarded contracts for the construction of 55 new secondary schools across the state to overhaul the education sector and enhance the learning environment for students.
Governor Mutfwang, while signing the contract at the Twin Theatre, New Government House Jos, emphasised that the new schools must adhere to international standards and serve as models for future educational development.
“This project, under the Plateau State Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), funded by the World Bank, is a crucial investment in improving the learning environment for our students,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
He stressed that these projects are designed to empower the girl child, acknowledging that educating women leads to far-reaching societal benefits.
In a symbolic presentation of award letters to contractors, Governor Mutfwang issued a firm directive: “Let me warn you ahead of time, you must do a good job. We will ensure that these projects meet the highest standards. Our supervisory mechanisms will be top-notch because we want to set a precedent with this initiative. When the World Bank team comes for evaluation, we must not be found wanting.”
The governor further emphasised that the funds allocated for these projects are not free grants, urging contractors to adhere to the specified building standards and timelines strictly.
Also speaking at the event, the commissioner for secondary education, Mohammed Nyalun, expressed gratitude to the World Bank, the federal government, and Governor Mutfwang for making the project a reality. He highlighted that this initiative is a crucial step towards ensuring every child in Plateau State has access to education in a conducive learning environment.
The AGILE Plateau State project coordinator, Shirinkpo Maina, provided an overview of the initiative, noting that these facilities lay the groundwork for inclusive, quality education accessible to every child, regardless of background.
The Plateau State Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, supported by the World Bank, involves the construction of 35 junior secondary schools and 20 senior secondary schools, all aimed at enhancing educational opportunities across the state.
