300 Adolescent Secondary School Girls were on Wednesday, trained and sensitized about menstrual hygiene education as well as process of having a smooth menstrual session.
The Girls, drawn from four Secondary Schools in Bauchi LGA including Government Girls College (GGC), Sa’adu Zungur Model School, Comprehensive Secondary School and Special Education School, were lectured by various Health experts and NGOs working in the area.
The programme was organized by the State Project office of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), with support from other partners.
Speaking at the programme, State Commissioner of Education, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, represented by the Director of Administration, commended AGILE Project Office and other partners for organizing the programme for the benefit of the Adolescent Girls.
The Director explained that, “The Commissioner himself, wanted to be here physically, but because of some other engagements, he directed me to stand for him. So, the students from the GGC Bauchi, Special School or Special Education Centre, Sa’ad Zungur Model and Kofar Wambai, but specifically those from GGC and Special Education Centre, these two know that the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Education, is always together with you, because about two weeks or three weeks ago, some of our students from GGC Bauchi participated in one of some occasions where they won and the students were presented to the Honourable Commissioner and he was happy.
He added that, “Barely two days ago, our students also from Special Education Centre, Yalwa Bauchi, participated in a National ICT competition. They became first in the whole country. So they were received two days ago by the Honourable Commissioner. He was happy and he gave some donations to those students.”
“And two days ago again, I and the Permanent Secretary represented the Honourable Commissioner at Saad Zungur Secondary School where the Children’s Day celebration was hosted. And the first three schools were presented with some cash donations from the Honourable Commissioner where the first position was given N50,000, GGC Goji was given N20,000, and Saad Zungur was given B30,000. So all these, I’m telling you how the Honourable Commissioner is always together with you people,” he added.
He added, “Then coming to the next programme, menstrual hygiene, I must say it here, that you students of this day are very lucky, because, there are so many channels of communication whereby you are being enlightened on this issue of menstrual hygiene.”
According to him,”Some years back, these things were not found. So the AGILE Project came in and they’re emphasizing education, education, education. Without it, you will not be able to understand. the importance of menstrual hygiene.”
He added that, “For those that came early, there was a song that was played by our DJ on the AGILE , whereby all the importance of education were mentioned. And if you follow that, honestly, you become the advocate of AGILE in your schools and in your homes.”
According to him,”So in order not to waste our time, I will thank the PC AGILE for organizing this event where our students will be enlightened on menstrual hygiene. And the principal GGC, Bauchi for hosting us.”
In he welcome address for the Commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, Theme: “Together for a #PeriodFriendly World”, the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Project Coordinator, Ladi Hamma, stated that, “Today provides us with an opportunity to raise awareness, break harmful myths and stigmas surrounding menstruation, and promote a society where every girl and woman can manage her menstruation with dignity, confidence, and adequate support.”
According to her,”Menstruation is a natural and healthy part of life. Yet, many girls continue to face barriers such as lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, inadequate sanitation facilities, misinformation, and social stigma. These challenges often contribute to school absenteeism and limit the full participation of girls in education and community life.”
She added that, “The theme for this year’s celebration reminds us that creating a period-friendly world is a collective responsibility. Governments, schools, parents, communities, development partners, and young people themselves must work together to ensure that no girl is left behind because of her menstrual cycle.”
Ladi Hamma further stated that, “As the AGILE Project in Bauchi State, we remain committed to promoting girls’ education, enhancing safe and inclusive learning environments, and supporting initiatives that empower adolescent girls with the knowledge, confidence, and resources they need to succeed.”
According to her, “Through our interventions, we continue to advocate for schools that are equipped with gender-responsive facilities and supportive systems that enable girls to stay in school and thrive.”
“I therefore encourage all participants to actively engage in today’s discussions and activities, and to become ambassadors for menstrual health awareness in their respective communities.
On behalf of the AGILE Project, I warmly welcome you all and wish us a successful and impactful commemoration,” the PC Concluded.
There goodwill messages from the partners including Nurture Her Girls Initiative, SISWACHI, Minal Learning Foundation and FATI’IMMA ANSARY Cancer Care Foundation.
All the girls were allowed to make contributions to the lectures after which they asked questions and clarifications about the issues of menstruation and menstrual hygiene.
AGILE and the partners also provided the girls with kits that contained all the items needed for a healthy menstrual hygiene practices.
End
A cross section of the Adolescent Girls
AGILE PC , Ladi Hamma explaining contents of the kit
