The Sokoto State Government says renovation works in 240 secondary schools under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project have reached 90 per cent completion, as part of efforts to improve access to quality education and provide a safer, more inclusive learning environment for girls.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Ahmed Ala, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, noting that key infrastructure upgrades in prominent secondary schools across the state were nearing completion.
He said the administration of Governor Aliyu Sokoto remains committed to enhancing the teaching and learning environment for both students and teachers.
“I am confident that things are moving in the right direction because I have the zeal and determination to change the course of history, but the most important thing is the assurance of the governor,” he said.
Mr Ala explained that the AGILE programme is specifically designed to address barriers to girls’ education, including inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities.
“In each of these secondary schools, there is provision for washing facilities, toilets, and other facilities,” he said.
“This is because we have come to realise that one of the things girls find difficult when they come to school is how to go and ease themselves.
Even their parents detest the idea of allowing boys and girls to share the same toilet. So, under the AGILE programme, toilets are being constructed separately, and water provided to each of these 240 secondary schools is under construction.”
On teacher development, the commissioner said the government has prioritised retraining to improve the quality of instruction in schools.
“We are also radically undertaking teacher training because we found out that so many teachers do not have the necessary knowledge, skills, and competence to teach in the secondary schools.
So far, we have done two sets of training and have been able to train 2,500 teachers,” he said.
Mr Ala added that the state is working closely with development partners, including UNICEF and other foundations, to expand access to learning resources and revive reading culture among students.
“We are working with partners such as UNICEF and some other foundations. One of the foundations wants to establish 10 libraries in 10 schools as part of efforts to revive reading culture among students,” he added.
