Over 19,700 adolescent girls in Nasarawa State are set to benefit from the second phase of scholarship grants under the World Bank–assisted Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment AGILE Project aimed at supporting their education across secondary schools in the state. The AGILE project is a World Bank supported programme designed to improve educational opportunities for adolescent girls across Nigeria, supporting girl child education and reducing barriers that keep students out of school.
The State Project Coordinator of AGILE, Hajiya Aishatu Isoga Aliyu, announced the development during the launch of a policy document on gender in education held in Lafia, the state capital. The event brought together heads of schools, principals, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to strengthen efforts toward creating a more conducive learning environment.
Hajiya Aishatu described the launch as a milestone that provides a framework for bridging the gender gap in education in line with international best practices. She noted that involvement of traditional and community leaders since the project began has encouraged adolescent girls to return to school, supporting girl child education awareness across communities.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr John Mamman, who also chairs the State Steering Committee of AGILE, called for stronger stakeholder commitment to promoting inclusive and quality education. He said the policy document aligns with Governor Abdullahi Sule’s efforts to reposition the state’s education sector and advance community development.
Also speaking, the State President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools ANCOPSS, Mr Aloko William, noted a reduction in the number of out-of-school girls in the state, crediting improved awareness and education funding.
On his part, the Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Disabilities Commission, Mallam Sale Barde Keana, emphasized the importance of inclusivity, particularly for girls living with disabilities. He stated that accessible learning remains key to empowerment and economic participation.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the 123-page policy document comprising six sections outlining guidelines for effective implementation of the AGILE Project in Nasarawa State.
