STRENGTHENING GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE AGILE PROJECT: A DIRECT APPEAL TO HIS EXCELLENCY ENGR. ABBA KABIR YUSUF

 STRENGTHENING GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE AGILE PROJECT: A DIRECT APPEAL TO HIS EXCELLENCY ENGR. ABBA KABIR YUSUF


By Tijjani Sarki

Good Governance Advocate and Public Policy Analyst

12/12/2025


Your Excellency,


I write to draw your attention to a matter of great significance the urgent need to deepen transparency, accountability, and good governance in the implementation of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project in Kano State. Taking decisive action in this direction will not only ensure better project outcomes but will also strengthen public trust, enhance community participation, and elevate the credibility of your administration.


The AGILE Project, funded by the World Bank, seeks to remove long-standing barriers that prevent adolescent girls from accessing quality secondary education across Nigeria. In Kano State, implementation is steered by the Ministry of Education through the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), aligning seamlessly with national goals of educational advancement, empowerment, and gender equality.


AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE AGILE PROJECT IN KANO STATE


The AGILE Project strives to:


1. Increase enrollment and retention of girls in secondary schools.

2. Improve education quality through better infrastructure, teaching capacity, and learning materials.

3. Empower girls with life skills, health awareness, and digital literacy.

4. Promote safe learning environments and reduce gender-based violence (GBV).

5. Strengthen community engagement to support girls’ education.


KEY COMPONENTS OF THE AGILE PROJECT


1. Expanding Access to Education

Construction and rehabilitation of classrooms and essential school facilities.

Provision of gender-sensitive infrastructure, including toilets, water supply, and safe spaces for girls.


2. Empowering Girls Through Life Skills and Digital Literacy

Establishing safe spaces for training in personal development, decision-making, leadership, and self-esteem.

Enhancing technological skills to prepare girls for future opportunities.


3. Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) and Scholarships

Financial support to ease economic barriers.

CCTs linked to attendance, retention, and completion.

4. Improving the Learning Environment


Provision of textbooks, teaching materials, and equipment.

Teacher training with a focus on gender-sensitive pedagogy.

Development of School Improvement Plans (SIPs) to enhance governance and instructional quality.


5. Community Engagement and Social Norms Transformation

Advocacy involving parents, religious leaders, and traditional authorities.

Collaboration with community-based organizations to monitor progress.

Addressing harmful practices like early marriage and GBV.


6. Project Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, and System Strengthening

Building institutional capacity.

Routine monitoring for accountability and evidence-based adjustments.


Improved data systems for informed planning and decision-making.


ACHIEVEMENTS RECORDED SO FAR


The AGILE Project has already achieved meaningful progress:

1. Construction and rehabilitation of numerous classrooms and sanitation facilities.

2. Increased enrollment and retention of girls supported by improved infrastructure and CCTs.

3. Thousands of girls trained in life skills, personal development, and digital literacy.

4. Stronger community awareness and support for girls’ education.


KEY CHALLENGES AND REQUIRED INTERVENTIONS


Several challenges continue to affect implementation:

1. Cultural and religious resistance in some communities.

2. Security concerns impacting rural school attendance.

3. Administrative delays in funding and execution.

4. Shortage of trained female teachers.

5. Concerns regarding infrastructure sustainability once donor support ends.


A CALL FOR STRENGTHENED GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY, AND COMMUNITY TRUST


Your Excellency, your administration’s commitment to transparency and public confidence is widely acknowledged. To reinforce this commitment within the AGILE Project, I respectfully urge the inclusion of key stakeholders particularly the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)in the project’s governance structure.


Their involvement will:


i. Improve project visibility and transparency.

ii. Enhance community trust and engagement, boosting support for girls’ education.

iii. Strengthen public confidence in government-led development initiatives.

iv. Increase accountability and open clear communication channels with citizens.

v. Promote collective ownership for long-term sustainability.

vi. Incorporating these stakeholders will further deepen the culture of openness and participatory governance values that align strongly with the aspirations of the people of Kano State.


THE CRITICAL ROLE OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND CSOs

Although not the main implementers, the Ministry of Information and CSOs play a vital role in promoting transparency, public engagement, and community mobilization. Their participation will support the AGILE Project in the following ways:


1. Public Awareness Campaigns


Engage radio, TV, print, and digital outlets to promote girls’ education.


Highlight success stories to build trust and broaden public support.


2. Behavior Change Communication

Use evidence-driven messaging to counter cultural barriers.

Strengthen advocacy against early marriage and gender-based violence.


3. Stakeholder Engagement

Facilitate discussions with religious, traditional, and community leaders.

Share community feedback and project updates to reinforce transparency.


4. Support During Sensitization Campaigns


Join school and community outreach efforts to enhance grassroots engagement.



CONCLUSION

While the Ministry of Education remains the primary agency for implementing AGILE, expanding the project’s coordination to include the Ministry of Information and CSOs will greatly enhance communication, transparency, and community ownership. Their involvement will strengthen public trust, deepen community engagement, and ensure the project’s long-term success and sustainability.


Your Excellency, this appeal is made in the spirit of partnership, accountability, and shared commitment to improving the lives and futures of adolescent girls in Kano State. Under your leadership, the AGILE Project can continue to flourish and bring hope to families and communities across the state.


Yours sincerely,

Tijjani Sarki

Write from zawaciki,Kano

Can be reach via tijjaniSarki.blogspot.com

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