The World Bank has allocated $1.2 billion to support girls’ education and empowerment in Nigeria through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) programme.
The bank’s country director, Ndiame Diop, represented by senior social protection specialist Tina George, disclosed this at the programme’s relaunch in Abuja on Friday.
Diop stated that AGILE is a multi-sectoral initiative designed to enhance secondary education for adolescent girls and provide economic empowerment opportunities.
He noted that the project targets 15.2 million students, including 8.6 million adolescent girls—both married and unmarried—as well as those with disabilities in 18 states.
He stated, “AGILE is a transformative initiative that holds the potential to reshape the future of Nigeria.
“AGILE is a 1.2 billion U.S. dollar investment in human development as a multi-sectoral programme that is implemented at the federal and state levels.
“It is to provide comprehensive support to increase adolescent girls’ secondary educational attainment and empowerment.
“An educated girl is truly a mirror, a mother of her community. When a girl is educated and empowered, she is a reflection of the community around her,” he added.
READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Peter Obi Donates N20 Million to Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka
As part of its impact, AGILE has constructed 104 secondary schools and rehabilitated 3,922 schools, benefiting over two million girls and 1.7 million boys.
Diop emphasised the importance of collaboration among government agencies, traditional and religious leaders, educational institutions, and civil society organisations in overcoming systemic barriers to girls’ education.
He reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting education initiatives that drive human development in Nigeria.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
