By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi state government has announced plans to construct 42 junior and senior secondary schools to empower adolescent girls through education across the state.
Mr. Ali Gar, Bauchi state Coordinator, Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) disclosed this during the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child celebration on Friday in Bauchi
The day was organized by the state Ministry of Education in collaboration with the office of the wife of the state with support from AGILE.
He said the project will construct 21 new junior secondary schools and 21 senior secondary schools through AGILE project, a World Bank-supported program implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education.
These schools will feature modern facilities, including classrooms with adequate lighting and ventilation, storage, solar power, and furniture.
Additionally, the schools will have gender-separate toilets, WASH facilities, and security measures such as fences and perimeter walls,” Gar said.
According to him, the project also aims to improve existing infrastructure in secondary schools by rehabilitating all public junior and senior secondary schools in the state.
“This effort will address the issue of dropout and out-of-school children across the 20 Local Government Areas of Bauchi state.
Dr. Jemila Dahiru, the state Commissioner for Education, emphasized the importance of supporting girls’ education.
She said that every girl deserves the right to envision and realize a future free from barriers and discrimination.
Dahiru, represented by Hajiya Zainab Babbantakko, Commissioner’ for women affairs said the government is committed to providing access and equal opportunities to girls through education.
“This initiative is a significant step towards promoting girls’ education and empowerment in the state.