Bauchi govt boosts girls education with cash transfers
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting girls’ education through the Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) component of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.
Hajiya Ladi Hamma, State Project Coordinator for AGILE, made this known on Monday in Bauchi during a stakeholder sensitization and advocacy session on the CCT initiative.
She said the project is implemented by the State Government with support from the World Bank, the AGILE project aims to empower adolescent girls by eliminating financial barriers to education.
According to her, the CCT program is a key strategy of the initiative, designed to encourage school enrollment, consistent attendance, and completion of secondary education.
“Under the scheme, eligible girls in junior and senior secondary schools receive financial assistance based on meeting set conditions,
“Such as maintaining at least 80 percent attendance and demonstrating academic progress.
“In the State, junior secondary school students receive N5,000 per term, while senior students are eligible for N10,000 per term,” she said.
In his remark, Dr Lawan Mohammed the State Commissioner of Education said that the Bauchi government has committed N150 million as counterpart funding for AGILE, enabling access to a World Bank $80 million loan aimed at strengthening girls’ education in the state.
“The project targets adolescent girls aged 10 to 20, with additional components including the provision of ICT facilities in 60 secondary schools.
“Around 5,000 Senior Secondary One (SS1) students are expected to benefit from digital skills training under the program,” he said
Mrs. Grace Jackso, representing the AGILE National Office, highlighted that the initiative goes beyond financial support, aiming to address cultural, social, and economic challenges that hinder girls’ education in Nigeria.
She explained that CCTs are expected to reduce dropout rates, improve access to quality education for girls, and empower them with critical knowledge and skills for future opportunities.
