The Kwara State Government has commenced the disbursement of ₦40,000 conditional cash transfers to 32,420 female students in public secondary schools as part of efforts to strengthen girls’ access to education.
The initiative, implemented under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, will also provide Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities to at least 898 public secondary schools across the state to enhance access to clean water and promote hygiene.
Kwara First Lady, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, who joined the flag-off ceremony virtually on Tuesday, described the AGILE programme as a deliberate investment in the future of adolescent girls. She said the initiative aims to ensure that girls are supported to complete secondary school while acquiring essential life and digital literacy skills.
“The project prioritizes life skills education for girls, equipping them with confidence, communication skills, critical thinking and the practical knowledge needed to navigate school, relationships and future careers,” she said during the symbolic presentation of cheques to beneficiaries.
She added that digital literacy has become indispensable in today’s world, noting that the project is strengthening schools to provide girls with access to the tools and training required to compete in a technology-driven global economy.
AbdulRazaq commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his commitment to human capital development and gender equity, pledging continued support from her office and her NGO, the Ajike People Support Center, to boost school enrollment, especially among girls.
“Just recently, we distributed school sandals to secondary school students across the state to ease the burden on parents,” she said, recalling earlier interventions that provided school bags, stationery, and other learning materials.
Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, said the grant will help reduce financial barriers that lead to low enrollment and high dropout rates among girls.
“The Conditional Cash Transfer being launched today is not just financial support. It is a statement of faith in the dreams of every girl and an invitation to remain in school, stay focused, and rise above economic limitations,” he said.
He added that the grant is not a one-off intervention, noting that girls who attend school regularly and perform well will receive an additional ₦10,000 per term. He urged parents and guardians to utilize the funds for their intended purpose.
State AGILE Coordinator, Mr. Azeez Adeshina Salami, explained that the project aims to expand access to quality secondary education for girls across Kwara. He highlighted its nine components, which include digital literacy training, alternative learning pathways for out-of-school girls, and conditional cash support for the poorest households.
Salami noted that Kwara was the first state to pay the mandatory ₦150 million counterpart funding, making it eligible for World Bank support.
“The singular effort of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in the initiation of this project in the state is spectacular and worthy of commendation,” he said.
The event was attended by top government officials, education stakeholders, students, and parents.
