Speech of His Excellency, the Governor of Katsina State, at the Flag Off of Disbursements of Large Grants to SBMCs under the AGILE Project
Monday 15th July, 2024 at Rimi LGA, Katsina State
Protocol
Members of the School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), Teachers, Students, PTA, Traditional and Religious Institutions, Assalamu Alaikum
It is with immense joy and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand here today to flag off the disbursement of large grants Phase 3, to 100 School-Based Management Committees under the AGILE Project here in Katsina State.
Education is the cornerstone of our development. It is the foundation upon which we build a prosperous and equitable society. Our administration has always been committed to ensuring that every child in Katsina State has access to quality education, and today’s event is one among many testaments to that commitment.
The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project is a groundbreaking initiative designed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our education sector. By providing large grants to SBMCs, we are not only empowering our schools but also enabling our communities to take an active role in the education of their children. This community-driven approach is crucial for sustainable development and the long-term success of our education system.
The disbursement of these grants marks a significant milestone and achievement in our efforts to improve the learning environment in our schools. With these funds, SBMCs will be able to undertake essential projects such as the renovation of classrooms, provision of learning materials, improvement of sanitation facilities, and implementation of various programs aimed at enhancing the overall educational experience for our students.
I want to commend the dedication and hard work of the SBMCs.
Your commitment to the betterment of our schools is truly inspiring especially the good stories of your support towards ensuring children stay safe and hygienic in schools. As we disburse these grants, I urge you to utilize the funds judiciously and transparently. Let us ensure that every naira is spent in a manner that directly benefits our students and improves the quality of education they receive.
I am aware that there are two models of utilizing the funds, one directly by the SBMCs/Schools for those who scored 80 and above points during the last SBMC effectiveness monitoring conducted by the AGILE Project. For schools or communities that scored less than 80 the project secured approval from the state to direct to work to reputable local companies to execute the projects on behalf of the schools and communities. Even with that I am aware that the funds were directly disbursed to the benefiting schools’ designated bank accounts. Which means the communities are still fully involved in implementation of the projects and management of the funds.
In this regards I want to call on all those responsible for managing the funds and supervision of the project to be ensure not only judicious utilization of the money but also a quality work. Schools and SBMCs should report any faulty or low quality work to the project and, if the project is limited by power in taking action, let them report to me directly for appropriate action against any one who is found wanting in doing the right thing.
To our esteemed teachers and school administrators, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your relentless efforts. You are the backbone of our education system, and your role in shaping the future of our children cannot be overstated. This initiative will support you in creating an environment that is conducive to learning and growth. I therefore call on all of you to put more efforts ensuring children come to school, lessons are delivered, children are happy and learning is taking place. No society can grown above the level of experience of their teachers. We will continue to do our best in building the capacity of all teachers for improved service delivery.
To the parents and guardians, I encourage you to remain actively involved in your children’s education. Your support and engagement are vital in fostering a culture of learning and academic excellence within our communities.
To our traditional and religious institutions, already you have a good role of ensuring local communities understands the importance of both formal and religious education. I urge you to maintain this tempo and improve so that at the end of the day, no child is left on the street as out of school. Please continue to use your network of followers during religious gatherings and social events like naming ceremonies, weekly sermons and any other opportunity, to amplify the importance of education. It is this education that helps turn around our fortunes for better and developed society.
Finally, to our dear students, you are the future leaders of Katsina State and Nigeria. Take full advantage of the opportunities provided to you. Study hard, be disciplined, and always strive for better result and outstanding performance with excellence. The world is at your feet, and with determination and hard work, you can achieve great things.
I want to reiterate our administration’s unwavering commitment to the education sector. We will continue to work tirelessly to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure that every child in Katsina State has access to quality education and skills.
Thank you all for being here today and for your continued support. Together, let us build a brighter future for our children and our state.
May God bless Katsina State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
