Katsina: The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Katsina State Government in enhancing the education sector. The announcement was made by the World Bank Country Director, Dr. Ndiame Diop, during the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project Implementation Support Mission meeting held in Katsina.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the meeting was organized by the state’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary School Education, in collaboration with the AGILE office in Katsina. The AGILE project has played a pivotal role in improving the educational landscape in the state through various initiatives, including the construction and rehabilitation of schools, provision of potable water, and conditional cash transfers.
Dr. Diop highlighted the World Bank’s objective to gain insights into the project and the overall education scenario in Katsina. He praised the ministry and leadership for their dedication to improving education. Notably, he pointed out the signifi
cant increase in the senior secondary education completion rate, which was a mere 21 percent in 2021 when the project commenced. Despite the progress, Diop emphasized the need for continued efforts to achieve better outcomes.
He further elaborated on the impact of secondary education on lifetime earnings, underscoring its importance in poverty reduction. Diop stressed the complexity of the education sector, involving numerous stakeholders and factors, and commended the state government’s commitment to overcoming these challenges.
The World Bank’s assurance of sustained support was reiterated by Diop, who acknowledged the importance of strong leadership and commitment from the government to achieve set educational goals. He expressed the World Bank’s dedication to aiding the sector in reaching its targets.
Earlier, Katsina’s Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Zainab Musawa, attributed the sector’s successes to the political will of Governor Dikko Radda. She emphasized the governor’s personal commitment to
education, noting that the ministry plays a crucial role in decision-making with its five agencies and 13 key departments. Musawa highlighted AGILE’s impact on empowering the girl-child, helping them realize their potential and importance.