Through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) program, the World Bank is investing $1.2 billion to enhance girls’ Education across 18 states in Nigeria. This was designed to provide comprehensive support that increases secondary education attainment for adolescent girls while empowering them socially and economically. With a target of over 25 million beneficiaries, including 8.6 million adolescent girls, both married and unmarried, as well as those with disabilities, the program aims to bridge academic gaps and create more opportunities. The benefiting states include Borno, Ekiti, Kebbi, Kaduna, Plateau, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Bauchi, Jigawa, Yobe, Kwara, Gombe, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
Furthermore, AGILE recognises that educating women is beneficial for individual lives and crucial for community development. By empowering them, communities can experience a ripple effect of positive change. On the other hand, It emphasises a multi-sectoral approach, working with government agencies, traditional and religious leaders, educational institutions, and Civil Society organisations to address the systemic barriers that hinder women’s access to learning. This collaborative effort is crucial for creating a sustainable and impactful change in their academic outcomes.
Impact of World Bank initiative on Nigeria’s academic system.
Meanwhile, the World Bank has made notable strides in improving education through various projects, including the Nigerian Partnership for Education Project (NIPEP) and the Edo Basic Education Sector and Skills Transformation (EdoBESST). These projects have focused on improving access, quality, and equity in basic learning by increasing enrollment, enhancing Teacher quality, and strengthening school management. To further bolster the impact of AGILE, the federal government also re-launched the ‘Madubi’ project. ‘Madubi,’ meaning ‘mirror’ in Hausa, is a campaign to encourage and empower women to pursue education.
Looking at the result, this initiative will foster positive social norms around female academics and create a supportive environment for their academic success. Also, the campaign will inspire married and unmarried girls by showcasing successful female role models and highlighting the positive impact of academics on their lives and communities. Therefore, by encouraging them to see themselves reflected in the achievements of other women, the campaign aims to motivate them to overcome challenges and pursue their goals.
Addressing the challenges of out-of-school children.
Nigeria faces significant challenges in terms of out-of-school children, with an estimated 12 to 15 million children not attending school. This issue is particularly pronounced in Northern Nigeria, where female Secondary School completion rates are lower than in the southern part of the country. The AGILE program has already made notable progress in addressing these challenges. It has enrolled over 3.9 million girls in secondary schools, constructed and renovated numerous schools, and provided essential resources such as furniture, teaching materials, and improved Sanitation facilities.
Beyond academic support, AGILE also focuses on empowering girls through life skills training and economic opportunities. The program has provided training in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills, enabling females to develop valuable skills and explore potential career paths. Furthermore, it has supported the establishment of small-scale businesses within schools, such as fish ponds and Livestock farming, to generate income and promote financial independence among girls. These initiatives not only empower an individual but also contribute to the Economic Development of their communities.
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Overall, the World Bank remains committed to supporting academics in the country and will continue collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to create a more equitable and inclusive school system. The re-launch of the Madubi campaign and the continued implementation of AGILE demonstrate a strong commitment to empowering girls and ensuring every child can access quality learning. By investing in their academics, Nigeria can unlock its full human potential, build a more prosperous and equitable society, and create a brighter future for future generations.