“As construction works of 55 new secondary schools reach 55 percent completion”
By Isreal Adamu, Jos
Plateau state government on Friday said the ongoing construction works of 55 new secondary schools has reached 55 percent completion.
Commissioner for education in the state Dr Kachollom Gyang made this known while addressing newsmen in Jos.
She said “This remarkable achievement is a direct reflection of the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State whose administration has continued to prioritise education, youth development, and gender empowerment through strategic partnerships like that of Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning and Empowerment (AGILE)
Our correspondent reportd that AGILE is an initiative of the World Bank and sponsored by the Plateau State
Government
She said the 55 new secondary schools comprises of 35 Junior and 20 Senior Secondary Schools and through through this initiative the schools would be completed with furnished classroom blocks, laboratories, administrative buildings, conveniences, and
solar-powered water systems.
The Commissioner also added that ” 609 existing secondary schools have been improved through School Improvement Grants (SIGs), providing better classrooms, safe water systems,
perimeter fencing, and modern toilet facilities.
” 989 teachers and 200 non-teaching staff have already been recruited, with plans are underway to engage an additional 1.011 teachers and 400 support staff, a major boost to quality education delivery.”
She also added that ” Beyond infrastructure, AGILE under the leadership of Governor Mutfwang has
addressed the full spectrum of educational barriers, through Life Skills Education in 289 schools, as adolescent girls are being trained on leadership, conflict resolution, health awareness, menstrual hygiene management, and GBV/SEA awareness thereby creating confident and informed young
Women.
She added that Governor Mutfwang’s administration has made
unprecedented investments in the education sector, specifically targeting enrolment.retention, and the overall development of adolescent girls.
In her words ” In 80 Senior Secondary Schools. the Digital Literacy and Remote Learning Program has equipped students with 21 st-century skills. “
“These schools now have modern ICT facilities, complete with laptops, projectors, solar power, and internet access.”
“The Second Chance Education program is giving out-of-school girls, especially
those who are married or have children., a pathway back to learning.”
She stressed that “Financial incentives are also being provided to the poorest households. helping to elminate economic barriers to girls’ education, Thanks to the robust Management Information System (MIS), we can now track real-time data on
beneficiaries, ensuring transparency and impact.
She also said “It is with great pride and heartfelt joy that I announce Plateau State’s outstanding performance at the 2025 Adolescent Girls initiative for learning and Empowerment
(AGILE) Maiden Inter-State Games, where our basketball Boys’ team emerged champions, defeating Katsina State with an emphatic score of 29 to 9 at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre, Dandikowa , Jos.
This victory is a clear demonstration of the resilience,discipline, and excellence that characterise our youth and an inspiring symbol of the promise that lies in empowering adolescent girls through education and sports.
.The AGILE Games 2025. themed Advancing Digital Literacy and
Celebrating Children’s Development “, is not just a tournament, it is a bold statement about what is possible when education meets opportunity. With eight categories including sports, painting. digital literacy, environmental challenges, essay writing, debate, entrepreneurship. and spelling bees, these competitions are showcasing student talent across AGILE States
She also said it’s promoting girl-child education,engaging community and religious leaders, and fostering collaboration among AGILE schools.
” While our basketbal team lifted the trophy, our volley ball girls also competed courageously in Katsina, and we now look ahead with confidence to other categories where I believe Plateau will continue to excel.
As we prepare to give awards to the
winning schools and students, I implore all stakeholders to support these games as the National finals comes up in Abuja in the coming weeks.
The Commissioner also said ” To every parent, community leaders, school-based management committees. and
stakeholder in Plateau State, I urge you to support our Boys and girls, encourage them to stay in school, let us break every barrier, Social, cultural. or economic that stands in their way.
The AGILE Project is not just a government initiative. It is a movement that ensures every girl has the chance to learn, grow, lead, and succeed, she further said.
