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Kano govt says AGILE Project raised school enrolment by 20 percent
Press Release
Kano state government has commended the world Bank supported Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) for hosting this year’s implementation support mission in Kano between Monday 2nd – Wednesday 4th June.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commissioner of education Dr Ali Haruna Makoda made the commendation while declaring the mission open at the Aficient event centre, Kano.
The Commissioner represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry Malam Bashir Baffa highlighted Kano State’s progress under the AGILE Project, noting a significant increase in school enrolment where Junior Secondary School Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) rose from 48% in 2020/2021 to 67% in 2023/2024 and Senior Secondary School increased from 38% to 59% in the same period.
Malam Bashir Baffa
He commended the support of the World Bank and requested urgent approval for the construction of new secondary schools and clearance of pending activities.
He assured the delegation of Kano State’s continued commitment under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, emphasizing the principle that “Education for all is the responsibility of all.”
Kano SPIU Members with AGILE TTL Mr Dilip
The commissioner extends appreciation to AGILE NPCU for holding this year’s implementation support mission in Kano.
Addressing the participants, the national project coordinator Hajiya Amina Buba Abubakar said the mission was to assess the progress made across components, review progress, assess performance on disbursement, financial management and procurement, safeguards, as well as discuss emerging challenges and proffer solutions.
Hajiya Amina Buba Abubakar
She said the AGILE project has recorded significant successes in all the 18 States. These successes according to her have drawn greater attention to the project from all sections of the country.
Mrs Abubakar noted that the project has also received accolades from the Federal government as attested to by the First lady of Nigeria in the last AGILE games award and launch of AF states at the State House Abuja on May, 27th, 2025.
A cross section of AGILE NPCU members
“It is my fervent hope that we will all use this mission to take stock of what we have done right and make amends in areas where we may be having challenges.
“I therefore urge all of us to pay close attention to the deliberations and make inputs that will make for a seamless project implementation across the 21 States, ” Mrs Abubakar pleaded.
The national Project Coordinator used the medium to congratulate AGILE team for the successful conduct of this year’s AGILE games.
A cross section of participants
“Congratulations on the very successful AGILE Games. While everyone is a winner by virtue of participation, I do like to extend my special congratulations to the champions. For me, the smiles on every one’s faces were more than enough.
“A heartfelt thank you to the World Bank and Project Coordinators, for their dedication, passion, and teamwork made the event possible and memorable. Thank you all for being true team players. From the bottom of my heart i hope you share the same sentiment.
“The AGILE Games have been more than just fun and sports, they were communication tools. Our major goal still remains increased enrollment, retention, and completion of secondary education by adolescent girls so as to reduce the number of Out- of -School girls,” Mrs Abubakar said.
A cross section of participants
The national project coordinator hoped that at the end of this mission, pragmatic solutions would have been provided to all identified challenges to efficient project implementation.
In his remarks the AGILE Task Team Lead (TTL) Mr Dilip Parajuli thanked Kano AGILE team for successfully hosting this year’s implementation support mission despite short notice.
Mr Dilip Parajuli
The TTL tasked the participants to actively participate in breakout sessions, share their concerns, exchange ideas and profer solutions to challenges identified.
Mr Malik of World Bank
The mission was attended by members of Project Implementation Units (PIUs) from 21 states where AGILE Project is being implemented, National Project Coordinating Unit (NPCU), World Bank team and representatives of federal ministry of finance.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim and Mr Dilip Parajuli
Highlights of the mission include presentation of progress reports from different States by Project Implementation Units (SPIUs).
A minute of silence was observed in honor of the Kano State players who tragically lost their lives while returning from Ogun State.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
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