Kogi AGILE Project Intensifies Efforts to Empower Out-of-School Girls Through Literacy Program
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, March 9, 2026
The Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment ( Kogi AGILE) Project, has taken a significant step towards expanding access to education for out-of-school adolescent girls and vulnerable learners.
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The project, in collaboration with the Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID), has successfully monitored Mass Literacy Centres across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking on the initiative during the exercise on Monday in Lokoja, , Alh. Ahmed Tijani Oricha, State Project Coordinator (SPC) of Kogi AGILE, said continuous monitoring and data-driven supervision are critical to the success of the initiative.
According to him the exercise, which forms part of the implementation of Subcomponent 2.2c, aims to provide functional literacy, vocational skills, and empowerment opportunities for adolescent girls who are unable to access formal education.
“Standardized learners’ registers were presented to facilitators across the centres to improve documentation, accountability, and tracking of learner participation.
“The monitoring exercise demonstrates our commitment to ensuring quality implementation of alternative learning programmes targeted at vulnerable girls across communities in the state,” Oricha said.
Hajia Mariam Bello, the Subcomponent Lead for Alternative Education, noted that the exercise was designed to assess the level of implementation of the Mass Literacy Centres and identify operational gaps.
“The introduction of standardized registers will help facilitators maintain accurate records of learners’ biodata, attendance, and learning progress, thereby improving programme tracking and accountability,” she said.
Rachel Akande, the Executive Director of PIBCID, commended the commitment of facilitators and the enthusiasm shown by learners, adding that the programme has generated strong community interest.
“PIBCID will continue to work closely with the Kogi AGILE Project to support the effective implementation of the programme and ensure that vulnerable girls in rural and underserved communities benefit from the initiative,” she said.
The monitoring teams observed increased enrollment of adolescent girls in literacy programmes and strong community support for the initiative.
However, some challenges were identified, including inadequate learning materials, irregular attendance, and limited infrastructure.
Recommendations include sustained supervision, provision of additional learning materials, and continuous training for facilitators.
The Kogi AGILE Project is expected to further expand educational opportunities and empower thousands of adolescent girls and vulnerable learners across the state.
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(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 10TH 2026)
