Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has stressed the need to create an alternative platform for those barriers that stand in the way of girls and women during their academic pursuits that could hinder them from reaching their full potential in life.
Mrs. Tinubu stated this at the turning of the sod for the construction of Alternative High School for Girls in Osogbo, Osun State.
She said her desire to see young girls and women who dropped out of school due to unplanned pregnancies, cultural barriers, economic or financial reasons among others to still make it in life informed her initiative.
“The alarming rate of school dropouts among girls is a stark reminder of the need for alternative solutions in their educational pursuits.
“My motivation as an educationist and life- long teacher stemmed from the desire to see young girls and women who dropped out of school due to unplanned pregnancies, cultural barriers, economic or financial reasons and many more, have a second chance to complete high school, acquire higher education and valuable life skills, to enable them reach their full potential in life.”
She said Osun State was chosen as the location for the school through a transparent and unbiased raffle draw processed at a strategic meeting with the State First Ladies adding that siting of the school in Osogbo, emanated from a fair process and divinely guided.
The first lady hinted at a plan by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) to launch the #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria in May, 2024, adding that her initiative was designed as a tool to promote the Campaign in Nigeria.
In his speech, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who lauded the first lady for granting Osun the rear opportunity of hosting the institution affirmed her deep love for Nigeria, commitment to national human development and particular interest in the welfare of under-privileged Nigerians.
He commended her passion for the growth of the nation, focusing on fairness and justice which he said culminated in the choice of Osun as the location of the school.
Governor Adeleke assured Senator Tinubu of his administration’s commitment to follow up and provide needed support to ensure a robust operation upon completion of the school.
