Aisha Garba, executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has said girls who drop out of school should be given opportunities to return to education rather than being regarded as lost causes.
Garba spoke on Saturday during the commissioning of the rehabilitated alternative high school for girls in Agboju, Amuwo-Odofin LGA of Lagos state.
The facility provides a second-chance pathway for girls and young mothers whose education has been disrupted by early pregnancy, socio-economic challenges and other circumstances.
“A girl who drops out of school should not be regarded as a lost cause. A young mother who wants to return to school should not be told that her time has passed,” Garba said.
She said the school would enable beneficiaries to resume their education, complete their studies, acquire vocational skills and build productive futures.
Garba commended Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, for what she described as her enduring commitment to girls’ education and empowerment.
She traced the vision behind the school to 2007, when Tinubu was first lady of Lagos state, and said the initiative remained relevant to efforts to expand educational opportunities for girls and young women.
According to her, the initiative also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, which prioritises education and human capital development.
The rehabilitated school has two blocks containing more than 26 classrooms, facilities for agriculture, physics and Biology, and vocational training areas for cosmetology, garment-making, hairdressing, catering and home economics.
It also has a library and information and communication technology facilities to support academic learning and practical skills development.
Garba disclosed that UBEC was also rehabilitating another alternative high school for Girls in Ikorodu, Lagos State, as part of efforts to expand access to alternative education.
Representing the First Lady at the commissioning, Nana Shettima described the education of the girl child as crucial to nation-building.
She said the school was established to help girls affected by early pregnancy and socio-economic challenges return to school, complete their secondary education and acquire vocational skills.
She urged the students to remain focused and resilient, saying their past experiences should not determine their future.
Also representing Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, at the event, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu described the rehabilitation as a new opportunity for young women.
She said educating girls benefits not only individuals but also their families, communities and the country.
Garba reaffirmed UBEC’s commitment to working with state governments and other stakeholders to expand alternative education and improve learning environments for girls and young women across the country.
She said the commission would continue to create pathways for children and young people whose education had been disrupted to return to learning, acquire relevant skills and contribute to national development.
