The Founder of the Ilawo Akpidi Foundation (IAF), Hajiya Mariam Akpidi Yakubu, has called for greater attention from the government and other relevant stakeholders to education in the country, saying quality education remains the surest way to the country’s greatness in the future.
Hajiya Yakubu made the call recently while she donated stationery and other instructional materials to pupils and teachers of LEA Primary School Dutsen, Garki FCT, Abuja. She said the task of ensuring quality education for children in public schools should not be left to the government alone.
According to her, any efforts by public-spirited individuals and/or organisations to develop the sector cannot be small but would go a long way in securing the country’s future progress and development.
She stated that she was moved to accept the donation as a mother desirous of her children’s development, adding, “Today, I feel fulfilled for contributing my small quota, just as I call all Nigerians, corporate and individuals, to toe this similar line.”
Hajia Yakubu added, “I feel fulfilled doing this because you never can tell if these kids will remember this seemingly little gesture. As small as some might think it is, the gesture would positively impact the children.
“It is in the same token that I am calling on well-meaning Nigerians and foreigners alike, as well as public-spirited organisations, to join the train because the responsibility of educating our children to become responsible citizens in future should not be left squarely with the government,” she said.
Receiving the materials on behalf of the school, the headmaster teacher, Mr Bala Manayi, lauded the donor for the gesture, which he stated would significantly impact teaching and learning.
He also stated that the pupils would value the materials greatly, considering that they would alleviate their need for donated items.
“On behalf of our pupils and other children gathered here today, I want to extend gratitude to you and your foundation for not only showing solidarity with us today but also going a notch further by donating these items, which will improve learning and instruction in our school,” she said.
