Jos, Plateau State – In a decisive move to rejuvenate the education sector and create a more conducive learning environment, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has awarded contracts for the construction of 55 new secondary schools across the state. The contract signing ceremony, held at the Twin Theatre, New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, signals a significant step in the Governor’s commitment to transforming the state’s educational infrastructure.
Governor Mutfwang, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of adhering to international standards for the new schools, which are set to become models for future educational development in the region. “This project, under the Plateau State Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), funded by the World Bank, is a crucial investment in improving the learning environment for our students,” he said.
The Governor also highlighted the project’s focus on empowering the girl child, noting that educating women has far-reaching benefits for society as a whole. During the ceremony, he issued a firm directive to contractors, insisting on the highest quality standards for the construction. “We will ensure that these projects meet the highest standards. Our supervisory mechanisms will be top-notch because we want to set a precedent with this initiative,” Governor Mutfwang warned.
He further stressed the importance of adhering to the allocated funds, which are not free grants, and urged contractors to meet the specified building standards and timelines.
Mohammed Nyalun, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, expressed gratitude to the World Bank, the Federal Government, and Governor Mutfwang for their pivotal roles in making the project a reality. He described the initiative as a critical step towards providing every child in Plateau State with access to education in a conducive learning environment.
Shirinkpo Maina, Project Coordinator for the AGILE Plateau State project, provided an overview of the initiative, noting that the construction of 35 Junior Secondary Schools and 20 Senior Secondary Schools under this project is a foundational step towards ensuring inclusive, quality education for all children in the state.
The Plateau State Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, supported by the World Bank, is poised to significantly enhance educational opportunities across Plateau State, setting new standards for educational infrastructure in Nigeria.