By Helen Kafoi
The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has distributed digital literacy gadgets to 50 secondary schools in Kaduna State as part of efforts to boost the government’s ICT literacy drive.
Some of the items distributed include:
- 1,250 computers
- 50 projectors
- 50 motorized projector screens
- 50 fireproof safes
- 12 months of internet connectivity
- 5KVA solar-powered solutions
Speaking at the event held at Silversand Hotel, Kaduna, the Commissioner of Education, Prof. Muhammad Sani Bello, commended the laudable initiative by the AGILE Project. He stated that in this age, digital literacy is non-negotiable and a necessity for everyone.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Teachers’ Service Board, Hajia Suwaiba Shehu Ibrahim, the Commissioner emphasized, “Just like the saying goes, you educate a woman, you educate a nation. If the girl child has digital skills, which are now a requirement for employability or, most importantly, self-employment, it will empower them to be self-reliant. The world is taken over by technology, hence the need for us to meet up.”
He urged all benefiting schools to take good care of the gadgets, imbibe a maintenance culture, and ensure that the items are used for their intended purpose.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, represented by the Permanent Member of Schools Management, Dr. Jamil Haruna, commended the project for its efforts. He stated that empowering the girl child would minimize school dropouts and reduce involvement in drug abuse and other vices.
In her goodwill message, the representative of the Director General of the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA), Amina Abubakar, reiterated that the distribution of the items was a commendable effort that should be closely monitored.
The Project Coordinator of the AGILE Project in Kaduna State, Hajiya Maryam Sani Dangaji, explained that the essence of the event was to flag off the distribution of computers, projectors, routers, and other ICT devices to 50 public schools. These items, procured under the AGILE project, aim to ensure that adolescent girls in schools are well-informed and trained in computer knowledge.
Each of the 50 schools will be provided with:
- 25 computers
- 1 projector
- 1 projector screen
- 1 fireproof safe
- 5KVA solar-powered solution
- 12 months of internet connectivity
This initiative is expected to significantly enhance digital literacy and empower adolescent girls across Kaduna State.
