Governor Lawal unveils ₦11bn school grant for Zamfara girls

Governor Dauda Lawal has launched a ₦11 billion education project to improve girls' access to schooling in Zamfara State, targeting 322 schools for renovation. — Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has launched a ₦11 billion education project to improve girls’ access to schooling in the state.

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has initiated the disbursement of over ₦11 billion in Small and Medium School Improvement Grants (SIGS) under the Adolescent Girls’ Initiatives for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project. The grants are aimed at improving education access and enhancing the learning environment for adolescent girls in Zamfara.

Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony in Gusau on Wednesday, Governor Lawal awarded contracts to Technical Service Providers tasked with school renovation and rehabilitation projects across the state.

The initiative forms part of the first phase of the AGILE Project, which targets 322 schools for significant improvements at a total cost of ₦11,736,000,000.

Governor Lawal emphasised the critical role of this project in revitalising education in Zamfara, recalling his administration’s declaration of a state of emergency in the sector. He described the disbursement as a major step toward fulfilling campaign promises to enhance educational infrastructure and opportunities for girls.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fulfilling our campaign promises of revitalising the education sector in Zamfara State. We are distributing award letters to contractors for the renovation and rehabilitation of 322 schools as part of our School Improvement Grants (SIGS) under the AGILE Project,” the Governor stated.

He further called on contractors to adhere strictly to the School Improvement Plans (SIPs) and guidelines, ensuring that every naira spent leads to visible improvements in the state’s educational facilities.

In his address, Lawal reminded all stakeholders of the importance of vigilance and accountability throughout the process. He urged the Project Monitoring team, School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), and the general public to actively engage in ensuring that the project meets its objectives.

“This initiative is not just about building and renovating schools, it is about investing in the future of Zamfara State,” the Governor concluded.