Federal government has inaugurated the Technical Working Group (TWG), for the Alternate School Program(ASP), on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq in her remarks explained that the ASP, National Steering Committee(NSC), has worked hard enough on the project and have come to the point where program implementation has to commence.
The TWG was established by the NSC of the ASP serve as a technical clearing house for the proper functioning of the NSC.
In her words, she said, “The National Steering Committee, at its inaugural meeting, moved for the establishment of a Technical Working Group to ensure effective planning and implementation of the ASP, with representatives drawn from the NSC member institutions and other key organisations; they will all be introduced shortly. Hence, the primary purpose of today’s meeting is to inaugurate the TWG such that they are enabled to forge ahead towards successful implementation of this very critical programme”.
Pointing out the advantages and need for the ASP the minister noted that it would help every child, irrespective of their social, cultural or economic background gain access to quality education, help them become more useful to themselves, their families, their community and the society at large
“As I stated at the last meeting, and for the benefit of the new attendees, let us all remain mindful of the numerous benefits of the Alternate School Programme to our children, their households, their communities and of course the Nigerian economy at large.
“Through this programme, every child, irrespective of social, cultural or economic standing, can gain access to quality education, using the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programmes, as delivered through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, to absorb certain socio-economic shocks that they may be exposed to
“Beyond education provision, the programme should be seen as a means of improving the future outcomes of the children and all the way to the larger Nigerian economy
“It will also equip the children with life-long skills to enable them, in the future, contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian economy, provide some household income for their respective families and create employment for members of the local community, thus improving their local economy.
Stating that the importance of the programme cannot be over exaggerated, Farouq urged all members to continue with the momentum and not relent in bringing their best forward so that they can all begin to record the much needed success.
However she noted that for success to be recorded, all the individuals and teams involved must collaborate effectively.
New committee members set to join the existing committee was introduced by the minister which included Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Information and Culture, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Honourable Maigari Bello, Chairman, Southern Governors Forum Sen. Akon Etim Eyakenyi, Mrs Eke Nelson Managing Director, NSU Microfinance Bank
Farouq stated that she believes that their participation and contribution will be invaluable to the success of the Alternate School Programme
The TWG is composed of nominees and representatives of all the members of the NSC with agenda as stated; to develop a Strategic Framework for the implementation of the ASP across the country, Design a comprehensive stakeholder mapping strategy to identify and ensure effective engagement for successful delivery of the programme nationwide, Design the consultative and planning process for effective take-off of the ASP Initiative, amongst others