In a remarkable display of community collaboration, the Kaduna AGILE Project—an initiative by the Kaduna State Government to boost digital literacy among secondary school students—has received crucial support from local communities, traditional leaders, parents, and teachers. This collective effort has been instrumental in sustaining the program, which is transforming education in the state.

Launched in 2023, the Kaduna AGILE Project aims to equip secondary school students with vital digital skills essential for success in today’s tech-driven world. The project has achieved significant milestones, including comprehensive digital skills training for teachers, the renovation of computer laboratories, and the provision of solar power, devices, and internet connectivity to schools across the state.

Currently, over 22,000 students in 104 senior secondary schools are receiving training through the project. To support this initiative, 1,250 laptop computers have been provided, 100 schools have been equipped with 5KVA solar power systems, and 50 projectors and projection screens have been installed. Additionally, 246 teachers have been trained to deliver education in line with the UNESCO Digital Literacy Global Framework (DLGF), covering key areas such as information literacy, communication, digital content creation, and cybersecurity.

One of the beneficiaries of this initiative is Government Secondary School (GSS) Unguwan Baro in Chikun Local Government Area. The school’s renovated computer lab became a hub of digital learning, offering students unprecedented access to technology and skills. However, a severe rainstorm recently damaged the lab’s roof, jeopardizing the progress made.

In an inspiring response, the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) of GSS Unguwan Baro—comprising community members, traditional leaders, parents, and teachers—swiftly mobilized resources to repair the roof. Their prompt action ensured that students could continue their digital literacy training without significant delay.

Mr. Joseph Sambo, Chairman of the SBMC, highlighted the students’ enthusiasm as a driving force behind the community’s resolve to address the issue. “Our school has benefited immensely from the AGILE Project. We’ve learned how to mobilize resources from within our community to support our children’s education. The improvement in our students’ performance, especially in the 2024 JAMB CBT, is directly linked to the digital literacy training they received,” Sambo said.

This initiative underscores the importance of community ownership in sustainable educational development. When communities actively participate in maintaining and improving school facilities, it not only ensures the longevity of such projects but also fosters a sense of pride and responsibility, enhancing the overall quality of education.

While the Kaduna AGILE Project has had a profound impact on students’ lives, the unwavering support of the community amplifies its success. The SBMC of GSS Unguwan Baro has demonstrated how local commitment can drive positive change, making the project not just a governmental initiative but a community triumph.

The Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, remains dedicated to improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls through the AGILE Project. The project aims to remove barriers that prevent girls from accessing and completing secondary education, create safe and inclusive learning environments, and empower students with future-ready skills.

In a touching testimony, Faith Bitrus, an SS1 student at GSS Unguwan Baro, expressed her gratitude for the provision of computers, internet access, and power solutions. “I can now use spreadsheets to manage my mother’s shop records and browse the internet for assignments without any difficulty,” she said, adding that her dream is to become a software engineer.

The Kaduna State Government values its partnership with the World Bank, which has been instrumental in the successful implementation of the AGILE Project. This collaboration between the state government, the World Bank, and the local community serves as a powerful example of how collective efforts can achieve educational excellence and empower the next generation of leaders.