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From Amedu Joseph, Lokoja
No fewer than 200 facilitators, Education Management Information System (EMIS) officers and area officers in non-formal education sectors and vocational centers in Kogi State have benefited from comprehensive refresher training aimed at improving data collection and service delivery.
The training was organized by the Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), in collaboration with the Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development (PIBCID), the implementing partner of Alternative Education Subcomponent 2.2c.
The capacity building programme, held at the Event Hall of Choice Apartment in Adavi Local Government Area and Royal Dome Hotel in Dekina Local Government Area, attracted participants from the Central, Western and Eastern Senatorial Districts of the state. The initiative focused on addressing critical gaps identified during the first quarter monitoring exercises, while strengthening participants’ skills in data management, training delivery and program implementation in learning centers.
Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator (SPC), Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha, described the training as a strategic intervention designed to improve the overall effectiveness of the AGILE project in Kogi State. She noted that equipping facilitators and officials with the right knowledge and tools remains key to achieving sustainable results, especially in the sector of non-formal education targeting adolescent girls.
Alhaji Oricha further emphasized that accurate data collection and reporting are critical to the success of any development programme. He highlighted that strengthening the capacity of EMIS officials would not only improve accountability, but also support evidence-based planning and decision-making throughout the project implementation cycle.
He praised the collaboration between AGILE and PIBCID, noting that such partnerships are essential to delivering impactful, community-driven interventions. The SPC urged participants to take full advantage of the training and apply the knowledge gained to improve learning outcomes and expand access to quality education in underserved communities.
Earlier in her speech, the Alternative Education 2.2c Sub-component Officer, Hajia Mariam Bello, described the refresher training as a vital step towards strengthening the quality of non-formal education provision in Kogi State.
He explained that the initiative was carefully designed to address gaps identified during the first quarter monitoring exercise, while strengthening professional standards through signing the Code of Conduct and improving facilitators’ teaching approaches.
According to her, continuous capacity development remains essential to equip facilitators to meet the diverse learning needs within their communities. He highlighted the importance of the interactive sessions, which provided participants with the opportunity to evaluate and refine their teaching strategies, while improving collaboration between facilitators and officials.
Hajia Bello further highlighted the critical role of EMIS officials in ensuring accurate and reliable data collection. He noted that quality data is imperative for informed decision making, proper planning and overall program success. He added that ongoing assessment exercises would help identify key needs in learning centers, allowing for targeted interventions that address specific challenges.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the next phase of the programme, which will include the introduction of life skills and vocational studies, as well as the translation of learning manuals into local languages to promote inclusion. He reaffirmed the project’s commitment to empowering students with practical skills that can improve their livelihoods, urging participants to remain dedicated and proactive in their roles.
In her speech, PIBCID Executive Director Rachael Akande also highlighted the importance of the training, noting that it will have a far-reaching impact on the lives of beneficiaries. He said strengthening the capacity of facilitators and officials is crucial to achieving the project’s objectives, adding that well-trained staff are better positioned to provide quality education and support community development.
He also encouraged participants to embrace the knowledge and skills acquired during the training, emphasizing that their commitment and performance will directly influence the success of the program and the positive transformation of students across the State.
Training participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing the sessions as insightful and impactful. Many highlighted improved understanding of data collection techniques, improved teaching strategies and better coordination approaches as key points of the programme.
They also committed to applying the knowledge acquired in their respective centers, assuring stakeholders of their willingness to uphold the standards introduced during the training. Participants reiterated their commitment to improving learning outcomes and ensuring that the objectives of the AGILE project are fully realized at the grassroots level.
Key activities during the training included signing of Code of Conduct forms, breakout sessions to evaluate facilitators’ teaching strategies, administration of evaluation forms to identify critical needs in learning centers, discussions on translating manuals into local languages, and introducing life skills and vocational studies as part of the next phase of the program.
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