The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, says standard and accessible education for all Nigerians is important for national development.
Remi disclosed this on Tuesday in Osogbo at the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of an Alternative High School for Girls (AHSG).
She decried the alarming rate at which youths, mostly girls, drop out of school in the country, adding that the situation called for an alternative solution.
“President Bola Tinubu values education and has introduced the National Student Loan Scheme which is now in effect for our youth to have unhindered access to education.
“Knowing that education is the bedrock of national development and the cornerstone upon which dreams are built, skills acquired and aspirations generally realised.
“This ceremony marks the beginning of an opportunity for a new chapter and a chance of a promising future for the exceptional young girls and women who would walk through the doors of this very school.”
The First Lady said she introduced the idea for the establishment of an AHSG due to her vision which was accepted and utilised by the Lagos State Ministry of Education in 2007 when her husband was the Governor of the state.
She said she also desired that all uneducated persons in the country, especially girls and women, have equal access to education.
“My motivation as an educationist stemmed from the desire to see young girls and women who dropped out of school due to unplanned pregnancies, economic or financial reasons and many more, have a second chance to complete high school, acquire higher education and valuable life skills.
“Every girl deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach her fullest potential, it is a sad thing to witness the barriers that stand in the way of their education.
“No doubt, without education, girls would lack necessary skills to support themselves and access information to make informed decisions about their health and future.
“The consequences of this challenge are profound, affecting not only their individual lives, but also has attendant socio-economic implications for our Nation.”
She said the vision was in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goal four which is to “Ensure Inclusive and Equitable, Quality Education and Promote Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All.
“We cannot afford to squander the potential and talents of half of our population, ensuring access to inclusive and equitable quality education that fosters lifelong learning opportunities for everyone is essential.
“Let me also reiterate that Osun state was chosen as the location for this school through a transparent and unbiased raffle draw process at a strategic meeting with the Wife of Governors.
“It is also worthy of note that today’s 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).
“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.”
Earlier, the state governor, Ademola Adeleke thanked President Tinubu and his wife for all the support the state has enjoyed since this administration began.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is being implemented by the first lady’s NGO, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in collaboration with UBEC.
Dignitaries at the event include 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.
