The Kogi State Government has commenced the renovation of 728 government-owned public schools across the state under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, in a move aimed at improving teaching and learning conditions in public schools.
The flag-off ceremony was performed by the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, who represented Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the event.
Speaking during the ceremony, the deputy governor said the initiative reflects the administration’s strong commitment to revitalising the education sector and providing a more conducive learning environment for students across the state.
According to him, the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the project is designed to improve infrastructure in public schools and enhance the overall quality of education.
Comrade Salifu noted that many public schools in the state have been in use for several decades and now require urgent repairs and upgrades.
He explained that the ongoing renovation would help make schools safer, more comfortable and more conducive for both teaching and learning.
“The government is determined to ensure that every child in Kogi State learns in a conducive environment while teachers are provided with better conditions to deliver quality education,” he said.
The deputy governor also commended the wife of the governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, for her passion and advocacy for education, particularly the girl-child.
He further applauded the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, the AGILE Project Coordinator, Comrade Abdullahi Tijani Oricha, and other members of the project team for their efforts in driving the initiative.
Comrade Salifu also expressed appreciation to development partners, particularly the World Bank, for their support and collaboration in the implementation of the project.
He called on host communities and School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) to take ownership of the projects by safeguarding the facilities when completed.
The deputy governor also urged contractors handling the renovation to ensure strict adherence to quality standards and timely delivery, warning that the government would not tolerate substandard work.
He assured residents that the state government would continue to prioritise education and ensure that the project leads to tangible improvements in schools across Kogi.
Earlier in his remarks, the Kogi State Coordinator of the AGILE Project, Comrade Abdullahi Tijani Oricha, described the flag-off as a clear demonstration of Governor Ododo’s commitment to investing in the future of young people in the state.
Oricha said the renovation of the 728 schools represents a major step toward restoring dignity to public education and creating better learning environments for students and teachers.
He added that the project is expected to improve school safety, increase attendance and enhance teaching conditions across communities in the state.
According to him, transparency and accountability would guide the implementation process.
“Every kobo invested must deliver value, every structure must meet the required standard and every community must feel the impact of this intervention,” he said.
Oricha further disclosed that 30 service providers had been selected to handle renovation works in 150 schools in the first phase, while urging all stakeholders involved in the project to ensure transparency and professionalism in execution.
He added that the project would be closely monitored to ensure quality delivery and value for money, while communities across the state are expected to benefit from the intervention.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, disclosed that the state government had received over N1.4 billion to support the payment of external examination fees for students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO) examinations.
Hon. Jones added that arrangements were underway to train students across the state for Computer-Based Testing (CBT) examinations, with training expected to commence soon.
He emphasised that education remains a top priority of the Ododo administration and expressed optimism that the renovation project would significantly improve learning outcomes across the state.
