Education
Kogi AGILE Disburses CCT N40,000 Grants to Schoolgirls
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Kogi State, has continued the distribution of N40,000 Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) grants to schoolgirls since the flag-off of the scheme. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The initiative is aimed at enhancing school enrollment, retention, and transition for adolescent girls, thereby strengthening their contribution to the state’s social and economic development.
During the exercise held at GYB Model Science Secondary School (GYBMSSS), Lokoja, the AGILE team issued preloaded ATM cards to parents and guardians of beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, the Kogi State Project Coordinator, Mr. Ahmed Oricha, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for keeping to his promise of ensuring that ATM cards are distributed across the state to all beneficiaries.
He stressed that the disbursement was not a one-off, but a follow-up activity towards the Governor’s pledge that the AGILE-CCT initiative will be sustained as a continuous intervention under the AGILE project.
He emphasized that the project would provide a cash grant of N40,000 each to 13,359 adolescent girls in transition classes across the state, with the goal of dismantling financial and socio-cultural barriers preventing girls from attending school.
Oricha further urged schoolgirls to maintain regular school attendance, while calling on parents to ensure the funds are used strictly for their children’s education.
The Lead Consultant, Mr. Richard Alabi, reiterated that the account linked to the ATM card is a dedicated wallet for AGILE fund disbursement and must not be diverted for other uses. He emphasized that beneficiaries must sustain at least 70 per cent school attendance to continue enjoying the scheme, while also cautioning parents against paying any form of processing fees, as the government has fully covered the costs.
The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Lead, Mr. Kunle Musa, explained that the disbursement is being carried out in batches until all 13,359 beneficiaries receive their funds.
UBA Branch Manager, Ms. Jennifer Efe, lauded the state government’s commitment to prioritizing education through the AGILE-CCT program, noting that Kogi is among the first states to begin actual implementation.
She encouraged parents to use the funds appropriately for their children’s education and advised them to consider opening a separate savings account for future planning.
The Principal of GYBMSSS, Chief Godwin Ajofe Yakubu, commended Governor Ododo for making education a priority and ensuring that girls are not left behind. He expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their support in making the project successful.
Parents and beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude. Mrs. Mariam Paul, a parent, said: “I have received the N40,000 on behalf of my daughter through the ATM card that was given to us. We are grateful to the government, AGILE, and all stakeholders for this support.”
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Education
Kogi Poly Sacks Two Staff, Demotes Deputy Registrar Over Misconduct
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Governing Council of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has approved the termination of the appointment of Mr. Mukhtar Muhammed, an Administrative Officer II, for sexual molestation. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Similarly, the appointment of Mrs. Funmilayo Afolabi, an Assistant Chief Executive Officer, was terminated for absconding from duty for nine months.
The Council equally approved the demotion of a Deputy Registrar, Mr. Audu Mathew, to the rank of Principal Assistant Registrar over negligence of duty.
The Council further approved the promotion of 11 Principal Lecturers to the rank of Chief Lecturer, as well as the promotion of 572 other teaching and non-teaching staff of the institution.
These decisions were among the far-reaching resolutions taken at the 72nd Regular Meeting of the Governing Council, presided over by the Chairman, Barrister Sani Shaibu.
The Council also approved the recommendation that 49 academic staff and 71 non-teaching staff be promoted for the 2024 promotion exercise. It further approved the promotion of 225 academic staff and 227 non-teaching staff for the 2025 promotion exercise.
Earlier in his address, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, expressed his appreciation to members of the Governing Council for their presence at the meeting, describing it as a clear reflection of their steadfast commitment to the institution’s growth, stability, and sound governance.
Prof. Usman also informed the Council of the uncovering of a result forgery syndicate involving one Mr. Henry Tope, who was apprehended in possession of 30 statements of result and one original certificate, all bearing the name and insignia of the Polytechnic.
He further expressed gratitude to the Visitor to the Polytechnic and Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his support, leadership, and continued guidance.
Prof. Usman stressed that Governor Ododo’s administration has provided an enabling environment that has enhanced academic stability, infrastructural development, and overall institutional growth at the Polytechnic.
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Education
NGO Heightens Advocacy for Indigenous Climate Education With Pulitzer Center
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Ace Initiative for Sustainable Development, has successfully concluded a comprehensive climate education programme supported by the Pulitzer Centre.
The event bringing together primary schools, universities, government representatives, and environmental experts in a landmark effort to expand climate literacy across Nigeria. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The project, which culminated virtually on the 27th to 28th November, unfolded in three phases: primary school outreach, an inter-university climate competition, and a high-level panel discussion.
Prof. Sade Oderinde, representing the Acting Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Prof. Adekunle Olanrewaju Adeogun, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the university’s commitment to environmental education.
The first phase introduced climate education to five public primary schools in Ijebu-Ode through engaging Yoruba-language videos adapted from Pulitzer Centre climate investigations.
Stories including “Investigation: How Big Businesses, Individuals Deplete Nigeria’s Protected Forests” by Uchenna Igwe, “Red Gold Project: Battle for the Soul of Depleting Nigerian Forest Reserve” by Taiwo Adebulu, and “Amid Deforestation Scourge, Vanishing Herbal Plants Pose Health Crisis in Southwestern Nigeria” by Abdulwaheed Sofiullahi and other Pulitzer stories were transformed into illustrated storytelling videos featuring indigenous proverbs and local examples.
Project Lead, Dr. Oluwaseun Anselm, coordinated the outreach together with Dr. Faleke Mary, the Schools Liaison Lead.
Participating schools included Emmanuel Anglican Primary School I and II, St Augustine Primary School, Olu-Ola Primary School, and Moslem Primary School.
Pre- and post-learning assessments revealed significant improvements in climate awareness, with pupils making “Climate Hero Pledges” to protect trees, conserve water, and educate their families.
The second phase brought universities students together from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria including TASFUED, University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos, Federal University Kashere, Federal University of Education Zaria, Yobe State University, and University of Ilorin.
Students analysed Pulitzer stories to discuss climate challenges and propose solutions ranging from urban heat mitigation to reforestation strategies.
Institutional representatives including Dr Yakubu Salihu Muhammad (Federal University Kashere), Dr Yusuf Abdulkabir Toriola (Federal University of Education Zaria), Dr Seun Nurudeen Akorede (Ahmadu Bello University), Dr Jamiu AbdulQudus Tosin (University of Ilorin) and others, mobilised student participation.
The programme climaxed with a panel discussion opened by Prof. Oladipo Samuel, Director of Research and External Relations at TASFUED.
Distinguished panellists included Dr Godsday Usiabulu, Certified African Climate Ambassador; Prof. Oluwafemi Saibu, Professor of Economics at University of Lagos; Prof. Adefunke Ekine, Department of Childhood Education, TASFUED; and Prof. Adekunle Bamiro, Department of Chemical Sciences, TASFUED.
Other were: Dr Oluwatoyin Fatunsi, Environmental Chemist, University of Lagos; Prof. Moshood Bello, Department of Health and Safety Promotion, TASFUED; Mr Rasaq Olatunji, Forest Economist and Acting Project Manager at J4; and Prof. Zacchaeus Ojekunle, Department of Geography, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
Panellists engaged with Pulitzer investigations including “How Airports Fuel Climate Change in Nigeria” by Nkrumah Bankong-Obi, “Cost of Farming: How Iseyin Women Farmers Cope with Climate Change and credit Crunch” by Francis Annagu and “Climate Shocks, Governance Gaps and the Refugee Crisis in the Sahel,” by Ibrahim Adeyemi and other stories published with support of Pulitzer Center, USA.
The programme successfully created a coherent knowledge pipeline from child-friendly indigenous narratives to advanced policy analysis.
Ace Initiative for Sustainable Development plans to expand this model to additional states, reaching more schools and strengthening climate resilience conversations nationwide.
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Education
AGILE Trains 130 Non-Formal Education Facilitators In Kogi
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Ministry of Education, through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, has trained 130 facilitators drawn from non-formal education centres across the three senatorial districts of the state, to strengthen the delivery of second-chance and alternative education programmes. com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The two-day capacity-building training, held under AGILE Sub-Component 2.2C (Second Chance/Alternative Education) in partnership with the Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID), focused on enhancing facilitators’ understanding of post-literacy manuals, harmonising instructional methods, and promoting participatory and adult learning techniques.
Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator (SPC), Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha, described the training as a strategic intervention aimed at improving access, quality, and equity in education delivery. He noted that non-formal education remains critical to reaching adolescents and young people excluded from the formal system, adding that well-trained facilitators are central to achieving the objectives of the AGILE Project at the grassroots.
Alhaji Oricha urged participants to apply learner-centred approaches in their respective centres, stressing that their commitment and professionalism would directly influence learning outcomes and the overall success of the Second Chance Education programme.
The Component Lead, Hajia Mariam Bello, said the training was designed to ensure uniformity and consistency in content delivery across all non-formal education centres. She explained that facilitators were taken through structured sessions to deepen their understanding of lesson sequencing, integrated teaching approaches, and effective classroom engagement for adult and adolescent learners.
According to her, adopting participatory methods would help create inclusive learning environments that respond to learners’ realities while advancing AGILE’s goal of improved literacy, numeracy, and life skills acquisition.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of PIBCID, Mrs. Racheal Akande, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting capacity development and behaviour-change interventions that strengthen teaching quality within the non-formal education sector.
The training featured technical sessions in English Language, Mathematics, Civic Literacy, and Basic Science, facilitated by experienced resource persons and reinforced through interactive discussions.
Participants described the programme as timely and impactful, pledging to deploy the skills acquired to improve learning outcomes across non-formal education centres in Kogi State.
Ends.
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