School Drop-out: The case of girl-child not closed, Says Garba
By Uji A Iliyasu Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, has declared that no girl who drops out of school should be regarded as a lost cause, as she commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her sustained commitment to girls’ education and empowerment.
Garba, in a release signed by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser (Media and Communications), made the declaration on Saturday at the commissioning of the rehabilitated Alternative High School for Girls in Agboju, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.
She described the facility as a second-chance pathway for girls and young mothers whose education had been interrupted by early pregnancy, socio-economic challenges or 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, stressing that every child deserves an opportunity to learn, grow and fulfil her potential.
She said the school would enable beneficiaries to complete their education, acquire vocational skills and build productive futures, noting that their circumstances should not determine their access to quality education.
Garba traced the initiative to 2007, during Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s tenure as First Lady of Lagos State, and said it aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises education and human capital development.
The rehabilitated school comprises two blocks with over 26 classrooms, facilities for Agriculture, Physics and Biology, a library, ICT facilities and vocational training areas for cosmetology, garment-making, hairdressing, catering and home economics.
Garba disclosed that rehabilitation work was also ongoing on another Alternative High School for Girls in Ikorodu.
Representing the First Lady, Hajiya Nana Shettima described girl-child education as crucial to nation building and urged students to remain focused and resilient.
Also speaking, Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the rehabilitation had restored dignity and created new opportunities for young women.
Garba reaffirmed UBEC’s commitment to expanding alternative education and skills acquisition opportunities for girls and young women across Nigeria.