The Gombe State Government, led by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has launched a significant initiative to combat the issue of out-of-school children and boost girl-child education through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project.
The project aims to reintegrate 8,000 out-of-school girls every year and provide annual scholarships for 10,000 girls, ensuring that economic barriers do not hinder access to education.
Dr. Amina Haruna Abdul, the State Project Coordinator for AGILE, disclosed the details of the initiative in an interaction with journalists. She praised Governor Yahaya’s commitment to the project, describing it as a testament to his dedication to expanding quality education opportunities in the state, particularly for girls.
According to Dr. Abdul, the AGILE Project aims to empower adolescent girls to become active contributors to society. “Educating the girl child lays the foundation for a better society,” she stated.
The project is designed to tackle the problem of out-of-school children directly, partnering with the adult and non-formal education sectors to reintegrate thousands of children into the educational system.
Recognizing the role of poverty as a barrier, the AGILE Project offers scholarships to underprivileged girls, providing financial support for basic educational materials.
AGILE has also planned the construction of 26 new secondary schools—13 junior and 13 senior—in areas with high populations of secondary school-aged girls but insufficient educational facilities.
In addition, each of Gombe’s 11 local government areas will receive two skills acquisition centers where out-of-school children can acquire vocational training.
The project also emphasizes inclusivity, with provisions for students with special needs, aiming to integrate them into mainstream schools rather than separating them into special institutions.
“If AGILE has its way, we would not have any special schools,” Dr. Abdul emphasized, highlighting the project’s commitment to reducing stigma.
Digital literacy is another priority, with plans to equip the newly constructed schools with advanced computer laboratories, high-speed internet, and solar-powered infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted access to digital learning.
“Digital literacy is indispensable in our lives today, so we have incorporated it into our curriculum,” Dr. Abdul remarked, underlining its importance for future growth and development.
The project has also introduced a behavioral change component to challenge social beliefs that limit girls’ educational opportunities. Dr. Abdul called on the public to support AGILE’s efforts, pledging that the project will remain open to addressing concerns to ensure its success.
With AGILE’s initiatives, Gombe State is setting a precedent in advancing girl-child education and inclusivity, ultimately contributing to the social and economic empowerment of the region’s young women.
