Showing her dedication to advancing the education of girls, Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, emphasized the pressing need to bridge the gap in girls’ education in Nigeria.
During the launch of the Alternative High Schools for Girls in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, she shared her insights.
Reflecting on this initiative, the First Lady expressed, “This event signifies a new beginning and a promising future for exceptional young girls and women who enter the doors of this school. The concept of establishing an alternative high school for girls was first introduced by me. This vision was embraced and implemented by the Lagos State Ministry of Education in 2007 during the tenure of my husband as the Governor of Lagos State, and the school continues to operate successfully to this day.”
Explaining her motivation as an educator and lifelong teacher, she reiterated her desire to offer a second chance to young girls and women who had to abandon their education due to various reasons like unplanned pregnancies, cultural restrictions, financial constraints, and more.
Sharing her concern for the barriers hindering girls’ education, she emphasized the importance of education in equipping girls with essential skills to sustain themselves and make informed decisions about their health and future.
Highlighting the alarming rate of school dropouts, she underscored the necessity for alternative educational solutions.
She disclosed that Osun State was selected as the school’s location through a fair raffle process involving state first ladies.
In his speech, Governor Ademola Adeleke pledged his administration’s unwavering support to ensure the smooth operation of the school once completed. He emphasized his government’s commitment to promoting girl child education and welfare.
Governor Adeleke outlined various initiatives aimed at enhancing family welfare and tackling issues like sexual violence against women. He stressed the implementation of measures to address these challenges effectively.
The Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education, Dr. Ahmed Bobboi, commended the Adeleke administration for its efforts in enhancing universal basic education in Osun State. He expressed confidence that the new school would not only meet but exceed its set objectives.