By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), a Niger State-based NGO, has partnered with ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), a Niger State-based NGO, has partnered with the Ministry of Basic Education to promote a scholarship program aimed at improving secondary school enrollment and skills development for young girls across the state. The program is set to benefit approximately 300,000 girls in Niger State's 25 local government areas through direct cash transfers to their families.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitization meeting in Minna, Hajiya Maryam Audi, Executive Director of Ilimi Children Fund, stated that the program aims to extend scholarships to over one million girls in 17 Nigerian states. She emphasized that girls represent 70% of the estimated 30 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, underscoring the need to address this educational gap.
“Communities must support girls’ education, especially given that education provides women with essential opportunities for economic empowerment,” said Audi. "This initiative will help reduce the number of out-of-school girls, ensuring they are in school instead of on the streets.”
The scholarship program provides financial assistance directly to families to alleviate economic barriers to education. Strict compliance requirements ensure a 70% school attendance rate for beneficiaries. Audi explained that details of each child’s guardian would be collected, and funds would be given directly to them to encourage the continued education of their daughters.
In Niger State alone, AGILE aims to support between 30,000 and 50,000 girls.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asebe Mohammed, represented by Director of Administration Hajara Zukoki, praised the program’s timeliness, especially given the increase in the number of out-of-school children. She stated, “This program aligns with our efforts to empower young girls and support societal progress through education.”
AGILE’s Project Coordinator, Hajiya Maimuna Ibrahim Tahir, noted that community engagement was vital in reducing school dropouts among girls. Tahir shared that nearly 50% of girls do not proceed to secondary school after completing primary education, often due to poverty or cultural attitudes.
The program also aims to discourage early marriage and empower young girls to build sustainable futures. Starting with 15 of the 25 local governments in Niger State, the scholarship initiative is expected to make a significant impact.
At the meeting, Hakimin Bosso, Alhaji Mu'azu Adamu Laka, commended AGILE and the Ministry of Basic Education for their dedication to girls' education, describing it as a vital investment in community development.
Key education stakeholders attended the event, which featured presentations on how families can benefit from this initiative and encourage girls’ education.
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