The Katsina state government, through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, has disbursed N8.4 billion grant for the renovation of 100 secondary schools in the state.

The exercise, which took place on Monday in Rimi Local Government Area (LGA), witnessed the presentation of cheques to School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) for phase three of the project.

Speaking at the event, Gov. Dikko Radda said education remained the cornerstone of any development and the foundation upon which to build a prosperous and equitable society.

“Our administration has always been committed to ensuring that every child in Katsina state has access to quality education, and today’s event is one among many testaments to that commitment.

“The AGILE project is a groundbreaking initiative designed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our education sector.

“By providing large grants to SBMCs, we are not only empowering our schools but also enabling our communities to take active roles in the education of their children.

“This community-driven approach is crucial for sustainable development and the long-term success of our education system,” the governor said.

He added that the disbursement of the grants marked a significant milestone and achievement in his efforts to improve the learning environment in Katsina schools.

“With these funds, SBMCs will be able to undertake essential projects such as the renovation of classrooms, provision of learning materials, improvement of sanitation facilities, and implementation of various programmes aimed at enhancing the overall educational experience for our students.

“I want to commend the dedication and hard work of the SBMCs.

“Your commitment to the betterment of our schools is truly inspiring, especially the good stories of your support towards ensuring children stay safe and hygienic in schools.

“As we disburse these grants, I urge you to utilise the funds judiciously and transparently.

“Let us ensure that every naira is spent in a manner that directly benefits our students and improves the quality of education they receive,” Mr Radda appealed.

Earlier in her welcome address, the state’s commissioner for basic and secondary education, Hadiza Yar’adua, said the disbursement was more than a financial commitment.

Ms Yar’adua added that it was a pledge to foster an environment where children could thrive, learn, and become the leaders of tomorrow.

“Our government has embarked on several pivotal initiatives to complement this grant, especially the commitment to the continuous professional development of our teachers.

“Teachers are the cornerstone of our education system and their training and retraining are paramount,” the commissioner said.

Also, the coordinator of AGILE, Mustapha Shehu, said that under the project, not less than 75 secondary schools were to be constructed.

He said that the schools were expected to be commissioned in August 2024.

Mr Shehu further said that since the inception of the current administration in the state, no fewer than 388 secondary schools have been renovated by AGILE.

The coordinator stated that an agreement was entered with all the benefitting schools at the state’s high court that they would spend the grants judiciously.

(NAN)