Graduands Call For Collective Action To Address Out-of-School Crisis

Some graduates have called for collective action to address the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

They called at the Kadwel International Schools, Kaduna, Third Graduation and Presentation of Awards Ceremony to celebrate the 2025 set tagged” The Class of Truth” in Kaduna.

The Headboy of the 2025 set, Mr Sudais Bashir, said that education is every child’s right and the key to a better future, yet millions of children were not in school.

“I wish every child in Nigeria could enjoy the kind of education my mates and I have had.

“I urge the government at all levels to provide free, quality education, build more schools, and support families in need; that way, more children will have access to education.”

He appreciated Kadwell Schools for shaping the students both academically and morally and thanked the dedication of the staff, adding that it made a big difference.

“To our parents, thank you for your love, sacrifices, and support and to my fellow students, let’s keep pushing forward and always represent the values we have learned here,” he said

The head girl of the set, Miss Sarah Madu, said every Nigerian child deserved an opportunity to shine in school.

Madu, therefore, called on the government to leverage new technology to make education available to all children.

“You need education to grow and develop. That is why I appreciate my school and my parents’ support in my education.

Miss Perida Darby, a graduate, expressed concern that despite the importance of education, millions of children do not have the privilege of teaching and urged urgent action to address this.

“I am calling on the government and well-meaning Nigerians to assist these children in going to school.

“This can be done through increased budget for education and by implementing the Child’s Rights Act,” she said.

Darby expressed gratitude to Kadwel International Schools, Kaduna, for the knowledge, skills, and values it instilled in its students and for nurturing their growth.

“To my parents, your unwavering support means the world to me, and I am proud to make you proud. And to my fellow students, let us stay connected and make a positive impact in our communities.”

Another student, Miss Mary-Ashley Okum, appealed to the government to create awareness and provide programmes on the dangers and effects of dropping out of school and to support more children in going to school.

“I wish for a place where students can come together, whether rich or poor, to learn together and try to find ways of improving society so that people can voice out their opinions without fear.”

Okum expressed gratitude to her school and her parents for their support and called on her mates not to give up on the journey but to work hard so they could look back and laugh without any regrets.

On her part, Miss Hadara Dauda, called on governments at all levels to prioritise education funding, outreach programmes, and community engagement to take out-of-school children back to the classroom.

“My wish is for every child to have access to education, empowering them for a brighter future.”

Dauda commended the school for laying the foundation of her education and thanked her parents for their blessings and unwavering support.

According to Miss Charis Ibrahim, when children have access to education,it keeps them away from violence and other challenges..

Ibrahim said, “I wish they would have an opportunity to go to school like me; so I appeal to the government to provide the basic amenities to make public schools look like private schools.”

She thanked the school, her parents, and her fellow classmates for their contributions to her life, adding, “I thank my mates for the memories that we have made.”

The school principal, Mrs Princess Ojutawo, commended the students for their resilience, growth, and many accomplished victories, both big and small, that prompted the celebration to honour the 2025 set.

“I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude to stand before you to celebrate the graduates who preferred to be called the class of truth.

“I rely on you to continue making the right decisions that will empower you and add value to your life and the lives of others. You are the change Nigeria still has to bring. I wish you all good luck and success in all you do,” she prayed.

(NAN)