An education consultancy firm, Alim & Associates Ltd., has applauded the Kwara State government for the completion of the School-based Management Committees (SBMC) training in the state.
The exercise brought together over 5,000 participants from the three senatorial districts and covered 898 schools earmarked for renovation under the World Bank-supported Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.
The managing partner of Alim & Associates Ltd., Engr. Muhyideen Alimi Yusuf, told journalists that the training achieved its objectives despite challenges.
According to him, “We have successfully trained SBMC members across 898 schools in Kwara involving over 5,000 participants in a rigorous five-day programme. The SBMCs are expected to prepare School Improvement Plans (SIPs), which will guide project approvals for their schools.”
He urged parents to take advantage of the planned school renovations by sending their children, especially girls, back to school to complete at least secondary education.
Kwara AGILE project coordinator, Mr. Abdulazeez Salami, described the exercise as one of the project’s biggest achievements, adding that, challenges encountered were turned into strengths and assured of effective monitoring through established mechanisms.
Deputy project coordinator, Lawal Adisa, said the turnout at training centres was impressive.
“Participants showed great enthusiasm, and that is what we want. We have not made a mistake in engaging Alim & Associates as supervisory consultant,” he said.
Component 1.2 Lead, QS Amina Shehu, also praised the consultant for a job well done, stressing that steps had been taken to ensure AGILE funds are properly utilised for school improvement
Lead resource person, Dr. Adeyemi Adeyemo, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of participants, saying the zeal demonstrated was an indicator that the project would positively impact schools and communities.
The AGILE project, under the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank, focuses on enhancing secondary education opportunities for girls aged 10 to 20.
Speakers at the event commended the Kwara State government for prioritising the initiative, describing it as a bold step toward restoring education and empowering the girl-child.