…Calls for More Schools to Give Girls a Second Chance at Education
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has called for greater investment in alternative education for girls as she commissioned Nigeria’s first Alternative Secondary School for Girls in Lagos.
Senator Tinubu, who was represented at the commissioning ceremony by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, commissioned the school on Friday, August 14, at its premises on Old Ojo Road, Agboju, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos.
The school is designed to provide a second chance at secondary education for girls whose schooling has been interrupted by social, economic or personal circumstances.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu commended the Lagos State Government for complementing the Federal Government’s efforts to expand access to education for vulnerable girls.
She called for the establishment of at least one alternative secondary school for girls in each senatorial district, stressing the need to ensure that girls who have experienced setbacks in their education are not permanently excluded from learning.
“You can achieve what you want with dedication and resilience,” Senator Tinubu told the beneficiaries.
She urged the students to see the school as an opportunity to rebuild their dreams and acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence required to become productive and responsible citizens.
The First Lady’s intervention is part of broader efforts to promote education, empowerment and opportunities for Nigerian girls, particularly those whose educational journeys have been disrupted.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the initiative as an important intervention for girls who had been forced to abandon their education.
“Every girl deserves a second chance,” she said.
According to her, the establishment of the school had restored hope and dignity to girls who had previously believed that their educational dreams were over.
She added that through the Renewed Hope School initiative, alternative education opportunities were being extended across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“Education and technology remain central pillars in our administration, and we will ensure that the school is sustained in all manners,” she said.
Earlier, the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, described the school as a bold and innovative response to the educational challenges faced by girls whose schooling had been disrupted.
He said the initiative would provide beneficiaries with an alternative pathway back into formal education while equipping them with relevant knowledge and practical skills.
“Our dear students, this school tells you that your story is not over. A setback is not the end. With hard work, discipline, and the support around you, you can rewrite your future. We all believe in you,” Alli-Balogun said.
He explained that beneficiaries would be supported to pursue further education, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in society.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Dr Aisha Garba, said no child’s circumstances should determine his or her future.
She commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her commitment to Nigerian children and disclosed that another alternative school located in Ikorodu would soon be commissioned.
She added that the Federal Government was considering further reforms and initiatives to strengthen alternative education for girls across the country.
The commissioning attracted government officials, education stakeholders, traditional leaders, development partners, parents and members of the community.
Among the dignitaries were the Ovori of Ibeshe Land, HRH Oba (Dr.) Gausu Alani Rasaki; Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Hakeem Shittu; and Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District V, Mr Dauda Abiodun Hassan.
The event also featured the presentation of gifts to outstanding students of the school in recognition of their achievements in various skills and crafts. The gifts were presented by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
The commissioning of the school marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to reduce educational exclusion and ensure that girls whose education has been interrupted have another opportunity to learn, develop skills and pursue their aspirations.
For Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the message behind the initiative is clear: an interruption in a girl’s education should not become the end of her educational journey.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.