Niger To Construct 54 Schools, Renovate 534 Others 

Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is targeting the construction of 54 schools and renovation of 534 others in the state under the World Bank-assisted programme:  Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.

The deputy coordinator of the project in the state, Mal. Salisu Danjuma disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation workshop for zonal quality assurance officers on the role and responsibilities of school-based Management Committees and Support Development of School Improvement Plan.

The deputy coordinator said the 54 schools to be constructed comprised; 27 junior secondary schools and 27 senior secondary schools, adding that the work would be handled by the school-based management committees under the supervision of the quality assurance officers.

Danjuma said the World Bank is also supporting girl child education in vulnerable and poorest local government areas of Gbako, Mokwa, Lapai, Shiroro, Lavun, Mariga and Rafi with financial incentives, ranging from N5, 000 to N10, 000 to be paid every term, beginning from primary school level to secondary school level.

He said it is aimed at increasing the enrolment drive of the girl child and reducing high rates of school dropout due to lack of support and poverty.

While declaring the workshop open, the permanent secretary, Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Vatsa Jonathan K, who was represented by the director, planning, research and statistics of the ministry, Abdulmalik Nungbe, tasked the quality assurance officers to maintain proper monitoring to ensure that quality works are done.

He also advised them to see the project as their own and take appropriate steps towards improving the performance of the project.