The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has commenced discussions with the Centre for Girls Education (CGE) on a 2026 skills acquisition programme for 90 girls selected from various communities.
The discussions took place at the NAERLS Board Room in Zaria, during a visit by a delegation from CGE to discuss plans for the proposed training.
The Executive Director of NAERLS, Professor Yusuf A. Sani, was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Director, Professor Muhammad M. Jaliya, who welcomed the delegation and expressed the institute’s readiness to sustain its collaboration with organisations committed to equipping young people with practical agricultural skills.
In her presentation, the Deputy Director of CGE, Maryam Albashir, who represented the Centre’s Director, Hajia Habiba, commended NAERLS for successfully training 180 girls in 2025.
She said the beneficiaries were trained in various areas of agricultural production, including poultry production, fisheries, horticulture and food fortification.
According to her, the success of the 2025 programme prompted CGE to seek additional training for 90 girls as part of its 2026 activities.
She explained that the proposed programme would focus on poultry production, fisheries and horticulture, with the aim of equipping the beneficiaries with practical skills to enhance self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
Responding, Professor Jaliya advised CGE to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NAERLS to provide a clear framework for the implementation of the programme.
He said the agreement should clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of both organisations to ensure effective coordination, accountability and successful delivery of the training.
The Assistant Director, Extension Training and Outreach of NAERLS, Professor Jamilu Abdullahi, said the MoU would serve as a working document to guide both organisations throughout the programme.
He noted that clearly defining the responsibilities of the parties would strengthen accountability and contribute to the success of the initiative.
CGE Deputy Director Maryam Albashir accepted the recommendation and assured NAERLS that the organisation would prepare an MoU specifying the responsibilities of both parties.
She stressed the importance of completing the process promptly, noting that CGE would need to report progress on its 2026 activities to its sponsor before December.
The two organisations agreed to prepare and submit the MoU within one week to facilitate the commencement of the skills acquisition training for the 90 girls.