Gombe to build 23 new secondary schools, enrol 8,000 girls annually

The Gombe State Government has initiated a major program to address the high number of out-of-school girls, pledging to build 23 new secondary schools and enrol 8,000 girls each year through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project.

During a press briefing, Dr Amina Haruna Abdul, the State Project Coordinator for AGILE, praised Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his support and commitment to improving girl-child education in the state.

She said AGILE aims to empower adolescent girls by providing educational access and skill development opportunities, enabling them to contribute actively to society.

“Educating the girl child lays the foundation for a better society,” Dr Abdul stated.

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To overcome financial barriers like poverty, the project will offer scholarships, with 10,000 girls targeted in its first year and increasing numbers over the five-year program. Each selected student will receive a stipend each term to cover essential school materials.

Dr Abdul explained that AGILE plans to construct 26 new schools —13 junior and 13 senior secondary schools — in underserved areas, while also establishing two skill centres in each of the state’s 11 local government areas. These centres will provide vocational training to support children who are currently out of school.