The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has laid the foundation for an Alternative High School for Girls in Osogbo, Osun State.
The ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, 23rd April, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the quest to provide quality education for girls in the state.
In her address, Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of education, particularly for girls, in breaking the cycle of poverty, ignorance, and inequality. She noted that the alarming rate of school dropouts among girls necessitates alternative solutions, and this school project is a step towards addressing this challenge. She highlighted that education is the bedrock of national development and the cornerstone upon which dreams are built, skills acquired, and aspirations realized.
The First Lady also launched the #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria, an initiative championed by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), which promotes equal access to education for all. The campaign recognizes that true equality requires equal access to education, and that educated women are the foundation of strong, prosperous societies.
The Alternative High School for Girls is a brainchild of Senator Tinubu, who introduced the concept in 2007 during her husband’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State. The school is designed to provide a second chance for girls who dropped out of school due to various reasons such as unplanned pregnancies, cultural barriers, economic or financial reasons, and many more, to complete their education and acquire life skills. The school will offer a comprehensive curriculum, including vocational training and life skills, to enable students to reach their full potential.
The Osun State Government has provided a piece of land for the project, which is expected to be completed soon. The First Lady commended the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and the First Lady of Osun State, Mrs. Titilola Adeleke, for their support and hospitality. She also thanked the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Dr. Hammid Bobboyi, and his team for their work on this and other Alternative High School projects.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the state government, education sector, and civil society organizations, including traditional leaders, teachers, and students. The event featured cultural performances, exhibitions, and a tree-planting ceremony, symbolizing the growth and development of the students.
With this project, Osun State is poised to become a model for girls’ education in Nigeria, and the First Lady’s initiative is expected to inspire similar projects across the country. The Alternative High School for Girls in Osogbo is a testament to the power of education to transform lives and communities, and a reminder that every girl deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach her full potential.
In his address, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State said “Your antecedents and your passion for public service are known to some of us. We have worked with you at close quarters and I can confirm that you are one of the best of sisterhood in the country.
“As your colleague in the Senate In those days, I can affirm your deep love for Nigeria, your commitment to national human development and your particular interest in the welfare of under-privilegded Nigerians. I am therefore not surprised when you assumed office and you unveiled several initiatives in support of girl children and the poor.
“In your passion for the growth of the nation, you are also known for focusing on fairness and justice. For us in Osun State, we are here today because we are a beneficiary of your sense of justice. During the raffle for the citing of this school you picked Osun, you did not shift the goal post. We commend you for granting Osun this rare opportunity of hosting this very important school”, the Governor noted.
While assuring the First Lady that his administration will follow up and provide needed support to ensure a robust operation upon completion of the school, Senator Adeleke assured that his administration is also committed to supporting girl child education.
“We have introduced a series of programmes which strengthen the capacity of families to provide basic needs. Hence, we emphasize workers’ welfare as a critical first line item in our five point agenda.
“We also focus on stopping the crisis of sexual violence against women. To that end, Osun is the first state to implement the resolution of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum on Action Against sexual violence. We have met the Ministry of Women Affairs and resolved to set up mobile courts to try domestic sexual violence matters. Additionally, we are compiling a list of unfairly jailed girls and women to get them released.
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