Governor Dauda Lawal has announced that, Zamfara State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment project AGILE has completed the renovation of
first phase of 174 schools and non-formal learning centers in areas accessible to security operations.
Speaking at the formal presentation of award letters for the School Improvement Grants (SIGs) to 40 additional Technical Service Providers (TSPs), Governor Lawal noted that the progress was made possible due to his administration’s commitment and the relative peace restored across many parts of the state.
According to him, as a result of the improved security, 40 more schools have been approved for intervention, bringing the total to 214 out of the 320 schools targeted under the AGILE project.
Governor Lawal highlighted additional achievements under the AGILE project, which include the construction of 115 solar-powered boreholes, 750 toilet units with water reticulation systems, and the renovation of 590 classrooms.
He also disclosed that 9,906 three-seater desks have been provided for use in the renovated schools.
“All beneficiary schools have been supplied with teaching and learning materials,” the governor stated. “The school improvement grant covers the renovation of infrastructure, installation of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities, and provision of educational resources.”
Governor Dauda Lawal charged the Technical Service Providers to complete all renovation works within four weeks and to maintain high standards of quality.
“Timely and quality delivery will open the door for more schools to benefit from the larger AGILE grant,” he emphasized.
Governor Lawal also hinted at upcoming disbursements under the L-PRESS (Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project), stating that, more names will be announced soon.
He expressed gratitude to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), AGILE, and L-PRESS for their continued technical and financial support.
He also commended the leadership of the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (ZSUBEB), local government chairmen, traditional rulers, development partners, and other stakeholders for their active roles in promoting education.
“We are not just building structures; we are building a system that works — one that meets the needs of our people and prepares our children to compete in a global knowledge economy,” the governor added.
Speaking to journalists at the event, the AGILE State Coordinator, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdu Gusau, said the ceremony marked the second phase of the School Improvement Grant disbursement.
“This grant includes $15,000 for small projects and $30,000 for medium-scale interventions,” she explained. “Last year, we successfully supported 174 schools, and today’s disbursement is a continuation of that effort.”
She clarified that the funds are not traditional contracts but grants, with School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) expected to collaborate with the TSPs to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper utilization of funds.
“These Technical Service Providers are carefully selected to ensure value for money. The World Bank has approved this additional financing under the AGILE program, and we are confident that the initiative will yield positive results,” she concluded.
Hajiya Sa’adatu also assured that rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are in place to track the progress and ensure quality delivery.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
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