Ensure Access to Inclusive, Equitable Quality Education, First Lady Tells Teachers

Segun James

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has said that access to education remains an opportunity for growth for the girl child, stressing that ‘alternative education’ also gives a chance for girls and women who had to stop schooling for sundry reasons, but are desirous of formal education to pursue their dreams.

Tinubu said this when she performed the groundbreaking/sod-turning ceremony for the construction of the Alternative High School for Girls in Osogbo the Osun State capital, a statement from her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi said.

The event is under the Access to Education For All Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), an initiative of the president’s wife.

“The alarming rate of school dropouts among girls are a stark reminder of the need for alternative solutions in their educational pursuits.

“The consequences of this challenge are profound, affecting not only their individual lives, but also has attendant socio-economic implications for our nation. We cannot afford to squander the potential and talents of half of our population,” she said.

She expressed the hope that the girls and women who would be beneficiaries of the school would optimise the chance to complete high school, acquire higher education and valuable life skills, to enable them reach their full potential in life.

“As we embark on this noble endeavour, let us remember the words of Nelson Mandela, who once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ I urge us to commit to this, knowing that with education, we can break the chains of poverty, ignorance, and inequality, by providing our women and girls with tools and resources to thrive and succeed,” she added.

The First Lady announced at the event that the groundbreaking event will culminate into the launch of the #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria, an initiative championed by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).

She explained that she will be using education as a tool to promote the Campaign in Nigeria.

“This campaign recognises that true equality requires equal access to education, and that educated women are the foundation of strong, prosperous societies. The official launch date of the event will be in May, 2024 by the special grace of God,” she stated.

In his remarks the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke assured the First Lady of his readiness to follow-up and provide the school support.

He highlighted that his administration was committed to the cause of women and girls to ensure their rights and safety are guaranteed.

In her remarks, the Wife of the Osun State governor, Mrs Titilola Adeleke commended Mrs Tinubu, especially for her fairness and justice which was evident in the transparent manner Osun State was chosen for the construction of the school.

When completed, the school will provide learning facilities for high school cadre, vocational and skills learning, a library, sick bay and a crèche.

The ceremony which was performed by the First Lady was witnessed by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, Wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Wives of 12 State governors, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and other traditional rulers in the state among others.