By Odedele Damilola |ABNews| August 13, 2025
The classrooms of Kwara State are set for a major transformation as the state government moves to renovate 898 public junior and senior secondary schools, in what is being described as one of the most ambitious education infrastructure upgrades in recent years.
This massive intervention, driven by the Kwara State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), isn’t just about new paint and better desks, it’s about creating safe, inspiring, and well-equipped spaces for learning.
According to Mr. Adeshina Salami, AGILE’s Project Coordinator, the renovations will be directly overseen by over 5,000 trained members of School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), drawn from the communities each school serves. The training, now ongoing across all three senatorial districts focuses on practical project management, needs assessment, and how to create and execute School Improvement Plans (SIPs).
“We want every school to reflect the aspirations of its community. This project is not just about fixing classrooms; it’s about giving our children, especially adolescent girls, the right environment to learn, grow, and dream,” Salami said.
The state’s approach is notable for its emphasis on community ownership. SBMC members; ranging from principals to artisans skilled in construction are expected to not only supervise renovations but also ensure transparency in how funds are used.
Mrs. Aminat Shehu, who leads the renovation sub-component, said the project also integrates Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities to address health and safety alongside academic needs.
Engr. Muhyideen Alimi Yusuf, the consultant on the renovation component, described the training sessions as an “open table” where concerns are addressed and responsibilities clearly defined to guarantee smooth implementation.
For many community members, the project represents more than infrastructure, it’s a renewed hope for better education outcomes. One SBMC participant, speaking with visible excitement, pledged to “ensure every kobo is well spent” so that no school is left behind.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been praised for bringing the project to Kwara, with stakeholders noting its potential to increase student enrollment and keep more girls in school until graduation.
With hundreds of schools about to undergo renovation and thousands of community leaders empowered to lead the charge, Kwara’s education sector appears poised for a new chapter; one where classrooms aren’t just places to learn, but places to belong.
