Education
GOV. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has urged beneficiaries of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), to acquire skills to complement their formal education.
Mutfwang gave the charge on Saturday in Gindiri, during the commissioning of a block of classrooms, motorised borehole, perimeter fencing and distribution of learning materials at the Government Secondary School Bwalbwang, Gindiri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that AGILE is a World Bank assisted project of the Federal Ministry of Education, aimed at improving secondary education for adolescent girls between 10 and 20 years.
NAN also reports that the projects are in partnership with the Plateau State Government, the World Bank, and other development partners.
They are aimed at providing innovative and evidence-based interventions that will address the systemic and structural challenges facing the education sector.
While commending all stakeholders involved in the project, the governor reiterated the need for the students to go beyond formal learning, and also equip themselves with skills.
“We are grateful for the remarkable efforts of AGILE, a state-wide initiative that aims to improve quality and access to education in Plateau State.
“Education is the foundation of any society, and the key to unlocking the potential of our people.
”It is not enough to teach our students the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic, we must also equip them with the skills, knowledge, and values that will enable them to thrive in the 21st century.
“This is why we have embarked on a journey to provide a holistic and enriching educational experience for our students, one that extends beyond the four walls of the classroom.
“We are proud to unveil the newly constructed and renovated infrastructure that will enhance the learning environment of this school,” he said.
While also encouraging the judicious use of the facilities, Mutfwang urged the students to be focused and driven towards all round success in life.
“These infrastructure have been designed with the students’ needs and interests in mind. They will foster an interactive and engaging learning atmosphere where students can explore, create, and collaborate.
“They will also improve the health and hygiene of the school community, and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.”
According to him, a conducive learning environment is essential for the holistic development of students, and that those things that were commissioned are a step towards that direction.
“However, we are aware that these alone are not enough to address the challenges facing our education sector, we are saddened by the fact that many of our schools are still plagued by poor learning outcomes.
“Low enrollment, high dropout, and inadequate human and material resources; these are the symptoms of a learning and human capital crisis that threatens the future of our state and nation,” the governor said.
Similarly, Mrs Maina Shirinkpo, Coordinator of AGILE in Plateau, stressed the importance of education, and the determination of the group to ensure the sustenance of the education goal of the Sustainable Development Goals.
“These interventions are aligned with our vision and mission for education, they are aimed at ensuring that every child has access to quality education that prepares them for life and work in the modern world.
“They are also aimed at creating a culture of learning and excellence in our schools, where students are inspired to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
Today’s occasion is not just about commissioning physical infrastructure; it is about celebrating the importance of investing in the future of our children.
“Our commitment to education goes beyond textbooks and examinations; it extends to creating an environment that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for lifelong learning.
”We want our students to be, not only knowledgeable, but also creative, innovative, and responsible citizens” Shirinkpo said. (NAN)
2nd March, 2024.
C.E
Tags: AGILE Caleb Mutfwang GOV. Caleb Mutfwang
