It’s been an incredible, exciting, and eventful year for us at Connected Development marked by tremendous growth and impactful achievements. However, we didn’t achieve this alone. It was a collaborative endeavor, made possible by the support and dedication of our donors, partners, stakeholders, and the outstanding CODE team.
Our work in 2023 addressed a number of pressing issues, ranging from the decline in girl-child education to gender-based violence, climate challenges, transparency issues in government and so on. Despite facing significant challenges across these fronts, we emerged victorious, as we always do. Through our work, we were able to reach more people and make a tangible difference in their lives.
It is a popular opinion that quality education goes beyond the physical walls of a classroom. It’s more about nurturing minds, unlocking potential, and equipping generations with the tools to shape a better future. It is not just about building schools as a common practice by some political class to win cheap popularity, it’s about what happens inside them. This includes the teachers who inspire, the curriculum that empowers, and the values that guide learning to build the future and lay the foundation for the prosperity of our great nation, Nigeria. This resonates deeply with the work that I do on the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.
AGILE is a federal government project under the National Project Coordinating Unit (NPCU) of the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), supported by a loan from the World Bank. It offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing equitable access to quality education for adolescent girls by improving school infrastructure, providing conditional cash transfers to low-income households, addressing social norms that hinder girls’ attendance at school, and equipping girls with life, digital, and economic skills. The project is currently implemented across a total of 18 states: seven parent states (Borno, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau) and eleven additional states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kogi, Jigawa, Kwara, Yobe, Niger, Nassarawa, Zamfara and Sokoto) under new financing.
As a Third Party Monitor (TPM) through my organisation Connected Development (CODE), commissioned by the NPCU, I have had the opportunity to independently observe AGILE’s implementation. Since 2022, my team and I have conducted monthly monitoring and quarterly verification exercises across project schools and communities in the seven parent states. We managed a team of 18 dedicated support staff, comprising civil engineers who assessed construction quality under the sub-component 1.1 (construction of new school buildings) and 1.2 (renovations of school buildings, toilets, halls, staff rooms, etc.). While the monitoring and evaluation officers track project performance, ensure accountability, and carry out Focus Group Discussions, monitor the implementation of sub-component 2.2a (life skills) and 2.2b (digital skills), and also sub-component 2.3 (Conditional Cash Transfers).
The experience has been an incredible learning curve, particularly in understanding stakeholder management and the critical importance of proper documentation, whether via emails or formal letters. Our monitoring starts with an inception meeting with NPCU to outline our plans, gather feedback, and ensure alignment on deliverables and the sample size for the project phase. Following this, we train our selected staff on data collection, probing techniques, and data confidentiality. Next, we reach out to the State Project Coordinating Units (SPCUs) in the seven states to access data and get the names of schools where each sub-component is being implemented. With this information, we calculate our sample sizes and determine the number of schools to visit per state. After doing this, the SSO goes to these communities and schools utilizing the Kobo Toolbox.
After data collection, it is then cleaned up by our expert data analyst, who ensures the data collected is accurate and analyzed per state and sub-component. This leads to a harmonized report, which provides detailed information on challenges, successes, and recommendations for each sub-component. Additionally, in instances of life-threatening issues, we immediately escalate it
to the NPCU and the World Bank via email and a Management Information System (MIS) platform that hosts reports, photos, and real-time updates on the AGILE project.
Despite the progress made on the project, I have observed some key challenges. A major gap is the limited capacity of local staff managing these projects. Many have not received adequate training, which affects their ability to manage projects effectively and deliver meaningful, high-quality results from the investments made. Another concern is the poor performance of some contractors. When school buildings are not properly built, it raises safety concerns. I often ask myself, when I have my children, would I feel safe knowing that the schools they are attending were not properly built? This is a critical issue that must be addressed. Our recommendations have consistently focused on improving construction quality and overall project delivery.
Since June 2022, CODE has conducted monthly TPM and annual verification exercises across over 2,500 AGILE project schools and communities. Moving forward, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we have quality and safe education for children in Nigeria. For the government, the path is clear:
● The need to prioritize continuous capacity building for staff responsible for implementing government projects, ensuring that they are well-equipped with the skills to manage large-scale initiatives, enforce standards, and identify deficiencies.
● Proper vetting of contractors by experienced consultants ensures adherence to specifications while critically establishing a robust monitoring mechanism to guarantee that the work is conducted properly on the project.
● To integrate the recommendations from (CODE) TPM, as the feedbacks are not criticisms, but blueprints for improvement.
For the Nigerian people, we have a key role to play in education. Citizens need to move beyond being passive observers and choose to become active participants in demanding good governance from the government. We need to demand accountability and transparency, and start supporting initiatives that champion quality education.
The progress of Nigeria depends on all of us, not just civil society organizations. Our collective voice and commitment to quality improvement are key to making lasting change. The AGILE project has great potential to transform the lives of adolescent girls across the country. But to realize that promise, we must close capacity gaps, strengthen implementation, and take ownership of the outcomes. Remember, this project is not a grant but a loan that we would all pay back. That makes it even more important to ensure the funds are used effectively and the project is properly implemented.
By Onayi Mentorship Coordinator, Girl-Child Education Project (GEP)
When my colleague Zira looked me in the eye and said, “Mimi, I want you to lead the mentorship program,” I knew it wasn’t just a passing task. It was a calling rooted in Connected Development’s (CODE) Girl-Child Education Project, supported by the Malala Fund. A calling that sits at the intersection of trust, lived experience, and the undeniable urgency of securing a better future for the Nigerian girl-child.
So, I packed my bags, laced my boots, and headed to Bauchi State, North Eastern Nigeria, the implementing state of the project, not just as a development worker, but as a believer in the cause. I was eager to embrace the full spectrum of the experience: from the breathtaking rock formations to the spicy aroma of local dishes, and of course, the renowned Yankari Game Reserve. It’s true what they say, a blend of work and play keeps Onayi’s mind sound.
Beneath the scenic landscapes and warm hospitality lie deeper truths. I had come to Bauchi to coordinate and monitor the implementation of our mentorship component. The mission: train female mentors in four local government areas of Alkaleri, Bauchi, Ningi, and Zaki, who would in turn mentor selected girls using our carefully designed curriculum and workbook. It sounded simple. I thought so too.
February marked my first trip to the implementing state. Before training began, we went through a meticulous selection process. We weren’t just looking for volunteers, we needed passionate, competent women who saw mentorship not as charity, but as a civic duty.
We trained these mentors on the ethics of mentorship, effective communication, and stress management. Pre- and post-evaluation results were promising. We left believing we had planted the seeds of transformation.
Fast forward to May. I was back to observe the mentor-mentee sessions in action. At Government Junior Secondary School, Tirwun, the energy was electric. The girls were enthusiastic and eager to learn. We noted that many of them understood Hausa better than English—thankfully, some of our materials had been translated.
The support from the school was strong. That evening, I returned to my hotel filled with cautious optimism.
As early as 6 a.m. the next morning, we were en route to Government Girls Junior Secondary School, Sakwa, Zaki LGA, a four-hour journey. There, I was met with a hard truth:
The girls couldn’t read. Not in English. Not in Hausa. Even more jarring, some of the teachers and the head teacher struggled to communicate in basic English. My heart sank. Literacy was a barrier too great to ignore, and mentorship alone would only scratch the surface.
On the drive back, I reflected on their silent cries for a fair chance, tired but resolute.
Alkaleri was closer, just an hour from the capital. It offered a glimmer of hope. The principal of Government Girls Arabic College welcomed us warmly. She believed in the program and personally led us around the school.
But the optimism was tempered by reality: no electricity, no water, and an overwhelming list of unmet needs. Still, the girls were vibrant and engaged. We flagged critical issues and carried with us both hope and concern.
By Friday, we made our way to Ningi. I fell ill that morning, but pressed on. The streets were crowded with worshippers heading for Jummat prayers. At the school, my heart broke.
The girls sat on bare floors, no desks, no proper learning materials, barely any resources. Yet their smiles were bright, their eagerness palpable. Many still struggled to read, but their spirit spoke volumes.
In each LGA, our School Monitoring Teams (SMTs) took meticulous notes. Reports, like those from my colleague Abdulazeez, revealed a troubling pattern: chronic underfunding, undertrained teachers, poor infrastructure, and systemic neglect.
But these weren’t just data points. These insights now inform Connected Development’s high-level stakeholder advocacy, from community dialogues with parents’ associations to direct engagements with SUBEB officials and the Commissioner for Education. Every story from the field becomes a reminder we carry into every decision-making room, because the voices from these communities deserve a seat at the table.
This mentorship program will run for three years, but our goal extends beyond the project timeline. At CODE, we prioritize sustainability by:
Training local community members and SMTs to understand how to access and track education budgets, empowering them to follow up on every project and demand accountability.
Selecting mentors from within the communities, women who reflect local values and inspire confidence in the girls they mentor. The message is simple but powerful: “If she can do it, so can you.”
Building local ownership, so that long after we’re gone, the structures we’ve helped create will continue to serve the girls who need them most.
It’s not just about a workbook or a training session. This project is about rewriting destinies. And if that means doing it one girl at a time, then so be it.
For over a decade, Connected Development (CODE) has been at the forefront of citizen-led accountability, education advocacy, and community empowerment across Nigeria. Through initiatives like Follow The Money, Power of Voices, and the Girl-Child Education Project (supported by Malala Fund), CODE works to bridge the gap between policy and impact.
Our goal remains unwavering: amplify marginalized voices, track resources, and ensure every child, especially girls has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead.
As I returned home to the warm embrace of my husband and children, my heart remained in Bauchi. It stayed with the girls in Zaki who couldn’t read, the resilient teachers in Alkaleri, and the empty desks in Ningi.
This is not the end. It’s only the beginning of a long, necessary journey, because educating a girl is not just a goal, it’s a strategy for nation-building.
Are you a passionate advocate for girls’ education in Bauchi State? Do you use your platform, voice, or skills to shift mindsets and inspire action?
The Girl’s Education Project (GEP) is seeking 5 passionate and influential social voices based in Bauchi State to serve as Behavioral Change Influencers for girls’ education.
These selected influencers will receive specialized training on harmful social norms affecting girls’ access to education, as well as key campaign strategies for promoting gender-equitable change. Their role is to cascade these messages both online and offline, using simple, relatable language and formats that resonate with their specific audiences and communities.
Who We’re Looking For
Media personalities and traditional influencers (radio, TV, bloggers, podcasters)
In 2024, Connected Development (CODE) made significant strides in advancing transparency, accountability, civic participation, and education across Nigeria and beyond. Our commitment to empowering marginalized communities, fostering democratic governance, and promoting social inclusion was evident in the transformative impact of our thematic programs. We engaged in 40 campaigns across 12 African countries, impacting numerous communities through various advocacy efforts. Our efforts were amplified in 57 town hall meetings, 40 community outreach events, and 30 workshops and capacity-building sessions, where over 3,000 individuals were trained on essential in climate justice, education, good governance, and so on.
Location: Abuja Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Organization: Connected Development (CODE) About Connected Development (CODE):
Connected Development (CODE) is Africa’s leading civil society organization. We empower marginalized communities through open data, participatory governance, and social accountability. We work to enhance public sector transparency and ensure service delivery through advocacy, capacity building, and citizen engagement.
Job Summary:
The Executive Assistant to the CEO will provide high-level administrative and strategic support to the CEO, ensuring seamless coordination of executive activities, stakeholder engagement, and office management. This role requires a highly organized and proactive professional with exceptional communication and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
Manage the CEO’s calendar, schedule meetings, and coordinate travel arrangements to optimize efficiency.
Prepare reports, presentations, and briefing documents for internal and external engagements.
Act as the primary point of contact between the CEO and internal and external stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication.
Oversee correspondence, draft emails, and manage confidential documents with discretion and professionalism.
Organize and coordinate executive meetings, including agenda preparation, minute-taking, and follow-ups on action items.
Handle special projects and research tasks to support decision-making and strategic initiatives.
Maintain an efficient filing system, ensuring easy retrieval of records and documents.
Monitor key deadlines, commitments, and priorities, providing reminders and necessary preparations.
Support office administration, procurement, and other logistical needs related to the executive office.
Qualifications & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Office Management, Communications, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in an executive support role
Strong understanding of administrative processes, executive communication, and office management.
Skills and Competencies:
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
High level of discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work under pressure.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital collaboration tools.
Why join CODE?
Work closely with top leadership in a dynamic and impact-driven organization.
Play a critical role in facilitating executive operations and strategic engagements.
Opportunity for professional growth and leadership exposure.
Location: Abuja Organization: Connected Development (CODE)
About Connected Development (CODE):
Connected Development (CODE) is Africa’s leading civil society organization. We empower marginalized communities through open data, participatory governance, and social accountability. We work to enhance public sector transparency and ensure service delivery through advocacy, capacity building, and citizen engagement.
Job Summary:
The Business and Development Manager will drive CODE’s growth by developing strategic partnerships, securing funding opportunities, and strengthening stakeholder relationships. This role requires a dynamic leader with a strong background in business development, donor engagement, and revenue generation. The ideal candidate will be proactive, results-driven, and capable of identifying and leveraging opportunities to expand CODE’s impact.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including donor funding, grants, and strategic partnerships to enhance CODE’s sustainability.
Develop and implement fundraising strategies to increase organizational revenue, including proposal writing, donor engagement, and grant applications.
Establish and maintain relationships with donors, government agencies, corporate sponsors, and development partners.
Lead the negotiation and management of funding agreements, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and organizational goals.
Collaborate with internal teams to design innovative programs and initiatives that align with CODE’s mission and attract funding.
Monitor funding trends, market developments, and policy shifts to identify new opportunities and potential risks.
Represent CODE at high-level meetings, conferences, and networking events to strengthen visibility and credibility within the development sector.
Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to business growth, funding acquisition, and partnership success.
Support internal capacity-building efforts by training staff on resource mobilization, donor relations, and proposal development.
Qualifications & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in business development, fundraising, or strategic partnerships, preferably in the nonprofit or development sector.
Proven track record of securing grants, managing donor relations, and driving revenue growth.
Skills and Competencies:
Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
Excellent proposal writing, fundraising, and business development abilities.
Ability to identify and capitalize on emerging funding and partnership opportunities.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Why join CODE?
Be part of a mission-driven organization that values transparency, accountability, and impact.
Lead strategic initiatives that drive financial sustainability and organizational growth.
Opportunity for professional growth and influence in the development sector.
Location: Abuja Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Organization: Connected Development (CODE) About Connected Development (CODE):
Connected Development (CODE) is Africa’s leading civil society organization. We empower marginalized communities through open data, participatory governance, and social accountability. We work to enhance public sector transparency and ensure service delivery through advocacy, capacity building, and citizen engagement.
Job Summary:
The People and Culture Manager will lead CODE’s human resource strategy, fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and high-performing work environment. This role involves overseeing recruitment, staff development, performance management, and employee engagement while ensuring that CODE’s values and culture remain at the heart of its operations. The ideal candidate will be an experienced HR professional who is strategic, empathetic, and skilled at balancing organizational goals with employee well-being.
Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract top talent, manage hiring processes, and forecast workforce needs.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and purpose-driven workplace culture through employee engagement initiatives while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Oversee performance appraisal processes, support professional growth plans, and design training programs for capacity building.
Provide coaching and mentorship to employees at all levels to enhance career development.
Ensure HR policies align with labor laws and industry best practices while managing employee relations, handling grievances professionally, and maintaining accurate HR records.
Develop competitive salary structures and benefits packages, oversee payroll, and conduct periodic salary benchmarking to maintain competitiveness.
Work closely with leadership to align HR strategies with CODE’s mission while supporting organizational growth and employee satisfaction.
Qualifications & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or HR certification (CIPM, SHRM, HRCI) is an added advantage.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in HR, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
Experience working in the nonprofit, development, or social impact sector is a plus.
Skills and Competencies:
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities.
Deep understanding of HR policies, labor laws, and organizational culture.
Ability to balance strategic HR initiatives with day-to-day people management.
Proficiency in HR software and digital collaboration tools.
Why join CODE?
Be part of a mission-driven organization that values transparency, accountability, and impact.
Lead initiatives that shape the culture and well-being of a dynamic workforce.
Opportunity for professional growth and influence in the development sector.
Location: Abuja Organization: Connected Development (CODE) Salary: Competitive
About Connected Development (CODE):
Connected Development (CODE) is Africa’s leading civil society organization. We empower marginalized communities through open data, participatory governance, and social accountability. We work to enhance public sector transparency and ensure service delivery through advocacy, capacity building, and citizen engagement.
Job Summary
The M&E Officer will be responsible for monitoring and ensuring high-quality and timely inputs, maintaining the project’s strategic vision, and ensuring that its activities result in the cost-effective and timely achievement of its intended outputs.
The M&E officer will be responsible for designing and implementing the M&E activities of Projects; assisting the Project Manager in preparing Quarterly/Annual reports on project progress and monitoring project activities regularly, and developing and will be responsible for the collection & analysis of different data about project activities.
The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer works in close collaboration with the project team and reports to the Director of Programs
Develop and strengthen monitoring, inspection, and evaluation procedures;
Monitor all project activities, expenditures, and progress toward achieving project output;
Develop new and recommend further improvement of logical frameworks of existing projects;
Develop monitoring and impact indicators for project success;
Monitor and evaluate overall progress on achievement of results;
Monitor the sustainability of projects’ results;
Provide feedback to the Project Manager on project strategies and activities;
Suggest strategies to the Project Management for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the project by identifying bottlenecks in completing project activities and developing plans to minimize or eliminate such bottlenecks;
Report monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual progress on all project activities to the Programs Director/Project Manager;
Conduct capacity assessment on existing monitoring and evaluation system, develop indicators and a monitoring strategy for the project;
Provide inputs, information, and statistics for quarterly, annual, and other reports to the Project Management Team;
Participate in annual project reviews and planning workshops and assist the Project Manager in preparing relevant reports;
Support monitoring and evaluation of the effects and impact of the project;
Assist in proposal writing for new grants;
Assist the project personnel with M&E tools and in supporting them in their use;
Perform other duties as required;
Functional Competencies:
Organises and accurately completes multiple tasks by establishing priorities while taking into consideration special assignments, frequent interruptions, deadlines, available resources and multiple reporting relationships
Plans, coordinates, and organizes workload while remaining aware of changing Priorities and competing deadlines
Establishes, builds, and maintains effective working relationships with staff and clients to facilitate the provision of support
Knowledge Management and Learning
In-depth knowledge of M&E and development issues
Excellent knowledge of monitoring and the application of methodology:
Good understanding of capacity assessment methodologies; excellent ability to identify significant capacity-building opportunities;
Excellent communication skills (written and oral):
Sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners, respectful and helpful relations with donors and project staff.
Ability to lead the implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change
Required Skills and Experience Education:
University Degree preferably in Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Certification showing completed training in M&E
Experience:
At least 5 years of experience in the design and implementation of M&E in development projects implemented by national/international NGOs/Governments;
Experience in designing tools and strategies for data collection, analysis, and production of reports;
Proven ICT skills, especially in the development of MIS software using database software;
Expertise in analyzing data using statistical software;
Strong training & facilitation skills.
Why Join CODE?
Be part of a mission-driven organization that values transparency, accountability, and impact.
Lead strategic initiatives that drive financial sustainability and organizational growth.
Opportunity for professional growth and influence in the development sector.
This policy brief is based on the work of Connected Development (CODE) concerning climate justice and interactions with different communities, including religious groups, government, and civil society organizations (CSOs) engaged in climate action in Nigeria. It comprehensively analyzes an approach to effective communication in climate messaging and how the pertinent issues here are often associated with faith. Accordingly, the brief sets forth a new approach towards climate communication and messaging within the context of religion to enable greater effectiveness and outreach, as well as to improve vulnerable groups’ understanding of climate science and its attendant effect on their everyday lives. Read full report below👇
The Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change project was initiated by Connected Development [CODE] to foster collaboration among diverse faith communities in Nigeria towards addressing the increased issues around climate change. The project was necessitated due to the increasing need to improve local-led strategies for practical climate challenges and science and action communication among Nigeria’s teeming population. The project also aimed to leverage the influence of faith-based institutions/ leadership to promote environmental stewardship for sustainable practices while galvanizing mass climate action using the influence of people’s commitment to faith…Read full report below 👇
