Kogi State advances gender inclusion in education policy
The Kogi State Government has commenced the process of integrating the Gender in Education Policy to enhance the implementation of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project within the state.
Speaking at the Technical Session for Drafting the State Gender in Education Policy in Lokoja on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Education, Mr Wemi Jones, described the initiative as a significant move towards fostering a more inclusive and balanced educational system.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Jibrin Saidu, Jones stated that the policy aims to tackle the specific obstacles hindering girls and women from accessing quality education in Kogi State.
“By embedding this policy within our education system, the Kogi government aspires to narrow the gender divide in education, cultivating a culture of fairness and opportunities for all,” he remarked.
“I am confident that by the conclusion of this technical session, we will have produced a policy draft that is credible and valuable for implementation in Kogi,” he added.
He urged participants to leverage their expertise in crafting a robust and comprehensive Gender in Education Policy that would positively influence the state’s educational landscape.
Dr Abdulhakeem Bello, the AGILE Project Coordinator, commended the state government for its dedication to gender-inclusive education reforms.
Bello emphasised that the AGILE project had played a pivotal role in improving access to education for girls, dismantling barriers to learning, and equipping young women with essential skills.
He reassured stakeholders that the Kogi AGILE team would maintain close collaboration with government bodies and other key actors to ensure that gender policies translate into measurable outcomes.
Additionally, Bello underscored the importance of establishing effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress and refine policy implementation.
Dr Elizabeth Animoku, the ministry’s Director of Educational Planning, Research, and Statistics (PRS), highlighted that while the policy already exists at the national level, it needs to be adapted for local application within Kogi State.
Animoku, who also serves as the State Coordinator for Drafting the Gender in Education Policy, explained that the policy aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5).
She noted that its primary objectives include eradicating gender-based discrimination and violence, ensuring equal opportunities, and challenging stereotypes that hinder the potential of both boys and girls.
“The Gender in Education Policy is designed to promote equality and eliminate disparities, guaranteeing that all learners, regardless of gender, have the same opportunities to access quality education,” she stated.
Animoku added that once formally adopted, the policy would serve as a cornerstone for the successful execution of the AGILE project across Kogi State.
