The Zamfara State Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning Empowerment (AGILE) has trained 2,250 girls and young women on various market-driven trades, who have been formally issued certificates after ten months training programme at various training centres in the state.

Speaking during the award of certificates, the Zamfara AGILE Coordinator, Saudatu Abdu Gusau, said the programme is celebrating the graduation and certification of the first cohort of 2,250 adolescent girls and young women under the AGILE Alternative Education Subcomponent 2.2C in the state.

According to Abdu Gusau, said through 2.2C, girls and young women who are outside the formal education system have been provided a flexible pathway to learning, skills development and improved livelihood opportunities.

“Across the 14 LGAs, the first cohort completed a 10-month programme covering foundational literacy and numeracy, life skills, digital literacy, and vocational and livelihood skills in market-driven trades.

“The results are encouraging; out of the 2,250 learners enrolled, 1,868 have completed the programme and are graduating today. In addition, 1,186 have transitioned to post-literacy programmes, 682 have been mainstreamed into formal schools, 367 are repeating the learning cycle, while 15 have dropped out. These are not merely statistics; they represent renewed opportunities and new pathways for girls and young women.

“The programme has also strengthened the foundation for sustainable delivery. In Year 1, 35 vocational and alternative education centres were renovated, 20 were fully equipped with learning and livelihood resources, and functional WASH facilities were provided in every supported centre. 75 facilitators were trained and supported throughout the 10-month delivery period with a monthly stipend of N30,000 each.

“We are now building on this foundation. For Year 2, an additional 80 centres have been mapped for similar intervention, bringing the planned coverage to 100 centres.

“These 80 centres will also be equipped with learning and livelihood resources to target 19,500 beneficiaries. The selection of the next cohort of beneficiaries will be guided by Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles, and like the previous set, they will also receive the 10-month 2.2C training package.

“At this juncture, I am pleased to share that the planning meeting for the commencement of Year 2 has already been conducted, and beneficiaries will also be supported through CCT alongside their counterparts in the formal school system”, Abdu Gusau has announced.

Earlier, Commissioner of Education, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, said the occasion is not only about celebrating the graduation of learners, but also the power of education to transform lives, restore hope, and create opportunities for those who, for one reason or another, were unable to benefit from formal education.

According to him, the occasion is a testament to the commitment of the Zamfara State Government, under the visionary leadership of Dauda Lawal, to ensure that no citizen is left behind in accessing quality education. The graduation of 1,868 beneficiaries from 20 Non-Formal Learning Centres across Zamfara State demonstrates the remarkable impact of the Alternative Education Programme implemented through the Mass Education Board with the support of the AGILE Project.

“These graduates have acquired literacy, numeracy, life skills, and vocational competencies that will empower them to contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, and the development of our state.

“I commend the Mass Education Board, the AGILE Project Implementation Team, facilitators, community leaders, development partners, and all stakeholders whose dedication has made this achievement possible. Your commitment continues to strengthen our collective efforts towards reducing illiteracy and expanding access to inclusive education.

“To our graduating learners, I warmly congratulate you. Your determination, resilience, and commitment to learning have brought you to this memorable day. Let this graduation be the beginning of greater opportunities. Continue to build on the knowledge and skills you have acquired and become ambassadors of lifelong learning within your communities.

“The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology remains committed to expanding alternative learning opportunities, especially for out-of-school children, youths, women, and other vulnerable groups, in line with the educational reform agenda of the present administration”, Gajam has explained.

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