Bauchi Speaker cautions against misappropriations of AGILE funds
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Speaker Bauchi State House Assembly Mr Babayo Akuyam has warned against misappropriations of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) which is meant for girl-child education and empowerment
Akuyam gave the warning when the State AGILE implementation Committee paid him an advocacy visit on Friday in Bauchi.
He said the legislative would not fold their arms and watch them misappropriating the project funds or diverting for different things rather than the purpose was meant for.
Akuyam said the essence of the project is for the furtherance of girl-child education in the state, urging the committee to ensure accountability and transparency for the course of girls-child education.
“In regards to enrollment, retention, completion of secondary education as well as transition to higher levels of education,” he said.
He challenged the committee to continue to improve the quality of education and management system for the delivery of services.
The Speaker said he believes that adequate funds would be made available for the timely and effective implementation of the projects that directly benefit the children and people.
“I want to emphasize the importance of accountability and transparency in our operations.
“Monitoring and evaluating offices serves as a vital mechanism for ensuring adherence to established protocols and standards.
“I urge the committee to fully cooperate with the state assembly on its oversight function which is instrumental in promoting good governance and fostering public trust.
“Collaboration is the cornerstone of progress, and it is essential that we forge strong partnerships to sustain the education system in the State,” he said.
Akuyam therefore warned against misuse of public funds that are meant for the educational pursuit of our children and empowerment of girls-child education in the state.
The Speaker promised to provide the AGILE project Committee with all the legislative support that is needed to work effectively as well as sensitisation of constituencies on the projects.
Earlier, Hajiya Aishatu Aminu, Deputy Project Coordinator of the AGILE Project explained that AGILE is a World Bank-assisted project geared at improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls aged between 10 and 20.
“The project was aimed at assisting the students who dropped out of school due to economic problems.
“Those students have the chance to go back to school and complete the second stage of education.
“The target is the poorest of the poor who do not have any means of payment of school fees and other requirements. A mechanism has been put in place to determine those that will qualify,” She said.
Aminu added that apart from boosting enrollment of the girl child in school, the AGILE project will ensure that the standard and quality of education do not decline.
“But rather improved upon greatly as Teachers will be motivated and well equipped to impart knowledge on the students,” she added.