The World Bank has announced a $1.2 billion investment to enhance girls’ education across 18 Nigerian states, aiming to improve secondary education and empower adolescent girls.
The initiative was unveiled at the relaunch of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) program in Abuja. The announcement was made by the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Ndiame Diop, who was represented by Tina George, Senior Social Protection Specialist at the Bank.
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Breaking Barriers to Education
Diop emphasized the critical role of education in transforming lives, stating:
“An educated girl is a beacon for her community. By empowering girls through education, we shape a stronger and more prosperous society.”
The AGILE program is a multi-sectoral project designed to eliminate obstacles that prevent adolescent girls from completing secondary education while also creating economic opportunities for them.
Targeting Millions of Students in 18 States
The initiative is being rolled out across Borno, Ekiti, Kebbi, Kaduna, Plateau, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Bauchi, Jigawa, Yobe, Kwara, Gombe, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
- The program will benefit 15.2 million students, including 8.6 million adolescent girls.
- Special attention will be given to married and unmarried girls, as well as those with disabilities.
- Over 25 million people are expected to gain from the project’s educational and empowerment opportunities.
Major Achievements Under AGILE
Since its inception, the program has made remarkable progress in expanding access to quality education:
- 104 new secondary schools have been built.
- 3,922 schools have been rehabilitated to enhance the learning environment for both boys and girls.
So far, the initiative has directly impacted 2 million girls and 1.7 million boys, making significant strides toward a more inclusive and equitable education system.
A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Change
Diop stressed the need for coordinated efforts among government agencies, religious and traditional leaders, civil society groups, and educational institutions.
“Sustainable change requires collective action. Ensuring that every girl has access to education is a shared responsibility.”
The AGILE program represents a pivotal step in tackling gender disparities in education and equipping adolescent girls with the tools they need to thrive academically and economically.
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