Plan International Nigeria said it spent about N182 million on renovation of schools, provision of learning and teaching materials in Sokoto and Bauchi states.

Communications Advisor of Plan International Nigeria, a leading child rights and girls’ empowerment organisation, Queeneth Njoku, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

During a handing over ceremony of the materials in Sokoto, the Aspire Project Manager, Plan International Nigeria, Murtala Bello, said the gesture was to make education more safe and inclusive for all children, especially girls.

Mr Bello explained that the interventions were being implemented under the Aspire Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

He stated, “Plan International Nigeria, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing safe, inclusive, and gender-responsive education through the distribution of essential teaching and learning materials and upgrading of schools. Following assessments of 100 formal and non-formal schools in Sokoto, Plan International Nigeria prioritised 50 schools (25 formal and 25 non-formal) across 12 LGAs.

“The LGAs include; Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Dange Shuni, Shagari, Gwadabawa, Wammako, Kware, Tambuwal, Yabo, Binji, Kebbe, and Bodinga based on infrastructure needs, enrolment levels, and potential impact on learning outcomes for upgrade.

“A similar distribution in Bauchi State supported 50 schools across 10 LGAs; Ningi, Katagum, Darazo, Jama’are, Bauchi, Toro, Dass, Kirfi, Misau, and Gamawa, ensuring thousands of children benefit from improved access, safety, and participation.”

Items shared, according to him, were desks, whiteboards, solar streetlights, braille machines, menstrual hygiene kits, first aid kits, and water containers.

He further said that the organisation also completed renovation and upgrade of classrooms  in five government schools.

The schools are, GSS More, GSS Kalambaina, A.A. Raji Special School, the Women Centre for Continuing Education, and Nana Aisha Girls’ Secondary School.

“In addition, five Islamiyya/Almajiri schools, benefitted from targeted improvements to create safe learning environments and support pathways into formal education. The schools included, Almajiri Integrated Model Schools in Wamakko, Gagi, Dange, Shagari, and Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, Gwadabawa,

“The project also reactivated health clubs in 129 schools, trained 258 teachers, and established 776 new health clubs, giving children the knowledge and confidence to protect their well-being,” Mr Bello added.

The project manager said the gesture showed a strong commitment to remove barriers and ensure no child was left behind in education.

In his remarks, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Muhammad Zayam, said the intervention restored dignity to the classrooms, strengthened inclusivity, and created safe spaces for every child to learn.

“Through sustained collaboration with state ministries, SUBEB, community structures and other stakeholders, the Aspire Project has strengthened school infrastructure in both formal and Islamiyya/Almajiri schools, making learning environments more safe and more inclusive,” Mr Zayam added.

He also commended Plan International Nigeria for its contributions and pledged sustained partnership to improve access and outcomes for children, especially girls. 

(NAN)