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.
The initiative is strategically designed to tackle two critical issues in education – increasing the enrolment of girls and reducing school dropout rates.
By focusing on the girl child specifically, the program aims to address gender disparities in education and promote gender equality. Furthermore, targeting the root causes of dropout rates such as lack of support and poverty is crucial in ensuring sustainable progress.
By providing necessary assistance and resources to disadvantaged girls, the initiative not only increases their chances of staying in school but also empowers them to break free from the cycle of 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.
In advising the team to see the project as their own, the manager is emphasizing the importance of ownership and accountability.
By instilling a sense of ownership, team members are more likely to take pride in their work, actively seek out ways to enhance the project, and make decisions that align with the project’s goals.
