The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment Additional Financing (AGILE-AF), in collaboration with the Adamawa State Ministry of Education, has commenced training for 2,112 school principals and counsellors on effective grievance redress mechanisms.
During the opening ceremony in Yola, Commissioner for Education Dr. Garba Pella, represented by Mr. Yakubu Alhassan, Director of Administration, urged participants to actively engage in the program to ensure its successful implementation statewide. Pella emphasized that education is a key priority for the administration, noting that education had been made free, and the state continues to fund WAEC and NECO exams for students.
“You are here to learn skills in effective communication and grievance redress, and it’s vital you apply these skills in your schools,” Pella added.
Mr. Emmanuel Erimen, National Officer for the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), expressed confidence in Adamawa’s readiness for the AGILE project, urging active cooperation from participants.
The training, coordinated by AGILE Project Coordinator Mr. Saddiki Liman, is being held across five educational zones—Ganye, Gombi, Mubi, Numan, and Yola—with two representatives, a principal and a counsellor, from each of the 1,056 secondary schools in the state. The initiative aims to equip them with the skills to handle grievances, particularly cases involving gender-based violence (GBV).
Ms. Lidia Maajam, AGILE’s team lead for Adamawa, highlighted the importance of addressing challenges promptly to maintain the project’s effectiveness.
Participants, led by Mr. Barnabas Jolly, expressed their appreciation for the training, pledging to use the skills gained to promote peace and understanding in their schools.
