Students in one of the newly renovated classroom blocks at Hassu Iro Inko Girls college, Katsina. Photo credit: Tseganesh Lapiso Dilebo/ World Bank.
Katsina, a historic savannah state in Northern Nigeria, has witnessed a remarkable educational transformation in recent years, primarily driven by the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project. Not long ago, schools in the state faced severe challenges, marked by deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate teacher housing. Reflecting on the past, a teacher shared during a stakeholder consultation in November, "Fifteen years ago, our schools were in disarray. Infrastructure was terrible, and teachers’ homes were in poor condition.”
A Legacy of Knowledge and Culture
Katsina has long been an intellectual and cultural hub with a rich history dating back to the 1400s. As an early center for trade and pastoralism, it was among the first states in Northern Nigeria to establish formal education, with its first middle school opening in the early 1920s. However, in recent decades, infrastructure decay and limited access have slowed educational progress.
Against this backdrop, the AGILE project emerged as a transformative force. This $1.2 billion World Bank-assisted Investment Project Financing (IPF) operation is designed to improve education and empower 15 million girls and boys across Nigeria. Initially launched in seven states, AGILE expanded in 2023 to 18 states, targeting regions with high fertility rates, significant out-of-school girls, and low secondary education transition rates.
AGILE: Empowering Girls and Improving Infrastructure
AGILE has rehabilitated over 13,000 classrooms and constructed nearly 9,000 WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities, enhancing learning environments across Nigeria. At Muhammadu Dodo Model Junior Secondary School, one of the newly constructed schools in Katsina, students enjoy clean water, solar energy, and modern facilities such as a library, science lab, and computer lab. Initiatives like climate action clubs, where students grow fish and plant trees, highlight AGILE’s focus on sustainability and hands-on learning.
AGILE is building 150 schools in Katsina, 75 of which are already operational. These schools feature solar-powered water systems, energy-efficient classrooms, and digital tools like teacher management systems. Community-managed construction reduces costs, fosters local ownership, and ensures resilience against insecurity and climate shocks.
A Holistic Approach to Education
Through life skills programs, 200,000 girls have gained knowledge in reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and self-confidence, empowering them to make informed decisions. Digital literacy training has reached 225,000 students, preparing them for a tech-driven future.
AGILE also tackles systemic barriers to education for girls, implementing measures to combat gender-based violence, ensuring safe learning environments, and establishing grievance redress mechanisms. Conditional cash transfers and scholarships have further boosted enrollment and retention rates, keeping more girls in school.
A Success Story: Maryam Ma’aruf
The success of AGILE is personified in the story of Maryam Ma’aruf, a 2024 Government Girls College Katsina graduate. “Thanks to AGILE for digital and life skills training, I graduated school, and I am now a graphic designer and a public speaker,” Maryam shared at the stakeholder consultation during our mission. Her journey is a testament to AGILE’s power to break cycles of poverty, nurture independence, and inspire societal contribution.
Maryam’s success is just one among many. AGILE’s comprehensive approach nurtures a new generation of confident, informed, and empowered young women. The project transforms classrooms and fosters a culture of leadership, self-reliance, and social impact among adolescent girls.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Despite AGILE’s impressive achievements, challenges remain. Stakeholders have emphasized the need to improve teacher motivation, stock libraries with books, and equip laboratories with more resources. Addressing the quality of education is increasingly recognized as vital for preparing students for the future.
However, the progress is undeniable. AGILE’s integrated approach—combining infrastructure improvements, life skills development, and digital literacy—paves the way for a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth, particularly girls.
AGILE’s work in Katsina is a powerful example of how targeted investments in education can drive transformative change. With continued support, AGILE can reshape the educational landscape in Katsina and across Nigeria, creating opportunities for millions of young people. The project highlights that even the most daunting educational barriers can be overcome with the right resources, political will, and community engagement.
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