First Lady commissions alternative High School for Girls in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned the Alternative High School for Girls in Osogbo, Osun State.

Speaking at the commissioning and handover of the school to Osun State Government on Friday, Tinubu, who emphasized the importance of education, stated that it empowers individuals to reach their full potential and is a fundamental human right, regardless of gender or circumstance.

According to her, this aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

Her words: “Today’s commissioning marks the fulfilment of a commitment I made during the Launch of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria on the 13th of May, 2024 using Education as my focus under the theme: “Education as a Powerful Tool for Change, No Girl Left Behind”. This is to ensure that all women and girls regardless of their circumstance have access to quality education.

“This is one of the Six (6) additional Alternative High School for girls that will be built across the country by UBEC, precisely in Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers States. Already, we have about forty-four (44) other Alternative High Schools mainly across the Northern parts of Nigeria. The Renewed Hope Initiative will continue to champion programmes that empower girls, women and youth across the country, towards a better life for families.

“The Alternative High School for Girls, Osogbo has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• A crèche to ensure young mothers can attend classes without worrying about their babies;
• A skills acquisition centre to provide vocational training and economic empowerment;
• And modern classrooms to create a conducive learning environment for academic excellence.

“Through these facilities, we are not only giving these girls and women, a second chance at formal education, but also equipping them with life skills to rebuild their confidence, independence, and potential to contribute meaningfully to society. I like to add that investing in women and girls’ education is investing in the future of our nation.

In her welcome address, the First Lady of Osun State, Chief Mrs. Titilola Adeleke, said the commissioning reaffirms the Nigeria First Lady’s dedication to expanding access to quality education, a key tool in fighting poverty and building a safer future for children, especially young girls and women in Osun State.

She disclosed that the Adeleke-led Government has recruited qualified teachers and personnel to ensure the successful launch of the school.