AGILE : Kogi moves to domesticate gender in education policy

AGILE : Kogi moves to domesticate gender in education policy

The  Kogi Government has initiated efforts to domesticate the Gender in Education Policy for effective implementation of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in the state.

The Kogi Commissioner for Education, Mr Wemi Jones, spoke at  the Technical Session for Drafting the State Gender in Education Policy, on Tuesday in Lokoja.

Jones said the initiative is a critical step by the state government to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment and ensure gender equality in education.

Jones, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Jibrin Saidu, emphasised that the policy would address the unique challenges faced by girls and women in accessing quality education in Kogi.

“By domesticating this policy, the Kogi government seeks to bridge the gender gap in education, fostering a culture of equality and opportunity for all.

“I have no doubt that at the end of this technical session, we would have a policy draft document that is credible and worthwhile for implementation in Kogi,” he said.

He urged participants to contribute their expertise to ensuring that Kogi developed a comprehensive and formidable Gender in Education Policy that would positively impact the state’s educational sector.

The AGILE Project Coordinator, Dr Abdulhakeem Bello, commended the state government for its commitment to gender-responsive education reforms.

Bello said the AGILE project had been instrumental in improving girls’ access to education, reducing barriers to learning, and empowering young women with good skills.

He assured stakeholders that the Kogi AGILE team would continue to work collaboratively with government agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that gender policies translated into tangible results.

The AGILE coordinator further stressed the need for effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and make necessary policy adjustments.

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Also speaking, Dr Elizabeth Animoku, the ministry’s Director of Educational Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), noted that the policy already existed at the national level but needed to be domesticated in the state.

Animoku, who also served as the State Coordinator for Drafting the Gender in Education Policy, explained that the policy aligned with Sustainable Development Goal five (SDG 5).

She said the policy aimed to eliminate discrimination and violence against women and girls while ensuring equal rights and opportunities.

According to her, the key policy’s objectives include, eliminating gender disparities in education, promoting gender equality, and addressing gender stereotypes that limit the potentials of both girls and boys.

“The gender in education policy aims to promote equality and eliminate disparities in education, ensuring that all students, regardless of gender, have equal access to quality education,” she said.

Animoku added that once domesticated, it would play a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of AGILE project in the state.