In a major push to strengthen girls’ education and tackle school dropout rates, the Adamawa State Government has empowered no fewer than 24,000 schoolgirls with a ₦40,000 conditional cash grant under a partnership with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri announced the rollout of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme in Fufore, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of the girl-child and the overall development of the state. He explained that each beneficiary would receive ₦40,000 in the first school term, followed by ₦10,000 in both the second and third terms, provided they maintain at least 75 percent school attendance.
According to the governor, the initiative is designed not only to improve access to education but also to reduce dropout rates and expand economic opportunities for girls. He stressed that education remains a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and opening doors to careers in fields such as medicine, engineering and other specialised professions.
Fintiri highlighted his administration’s continued efforts to ease the financial burden on parents, noting that the state government has consistently paid WAEC and NECO examination fees for students. He said this support forms part of broader policies aimed at ensuring no child is denied education due to financial constraints.
The programme also extends a lifeline to girls who had previously dropped out of school, including married girls and young mothers, encouraging them to return to the classroom, complete their secondary education and pursue tertiary studies. The governor added that his government has kept school fees stable in state-owned tertiary institutions in recognition of current economic realities and the premium placed on education.
Beyond education, Fintiri used the occasion to inaugurate several projects in Fufore Local Government Area, including the Fresh Air Gate, a Legislative Block, a PDP Secretariat, a Cottage Hospital and a Government Lodge. He said the projects are aimed at improving governance, healthcare delivery, infrastructure and the overall welfare of residents.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to keep investing in people-focused programmes, particularly those that empower girls to achieve their academic and professional ambitions and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.