Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to girls’ education, inaugurating the Alternative High School for Girls in Osogbo, Osun State capital.
Speaking at the commissioning and handover of the School to Osun state Governor Ademola Adeleke on Friday, Tinubu disclosed that the education is not merely a privilege, but a fundamental human right, regardless of gender or circumstance.
Tinubu said the government is not only giving the girls and women a second chance at formal education, but also equipping them with life skills to rebuild their confidence, independence, and potential to contribute meaningfully to society.
According to Tinubu, I like to add that investing in women and girls’ education is investing in the future of our nation.
She commended Governor Ademola Adeleke said his wife for their role and efforts in approving the land for the school.
She said, “The Alternative High School for Girls, Osogbo has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including:
A crèche to ensure young mothers can attend classes without worrying about their babies; A skills acquisition centre to provide vocational training and economic empowerment; And modern classrooms to create a conducive learning environment for academic excellence.
“Education empowers individuals to reach their full potential. It is not merely a privilege, but a fundamental human right, regardless of gender or circumstance.
“I am delighted to be back again in Osogbo, Osun State to commission the Alternative High School for Girls. On the 23rd of April, 2024 the sod turning ceremony for the construction of this School took place. I say well done to UBEC.
“Today’s commissioning marks the fulfilment of a commitment I made during the Launch of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria on the 13th of May, 2024 using Education as my focus under the theme: “Education as a Powerful Tool for Change, No Girl Left Behind”. This is to ensure that all women and girls regardless of their circumstance have access to quality education.
“This is one of the Six (6) additional Alternative High School for girls that will be built across the country by UBEC, precisely in Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers States. Already, we have about forty-four (44) other Alternative High Schools mainly across the Northern parts of Nigeria. The Renewed Hope Initiative will continue to champion programmes that empower girls, women and youth across the country, towards a better life for families.
“Education empowers individuals to reach their full potential. It is not merely a privilege, but a fundamental human right, regardless of gender or circumstance. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
“To the beneficiaries of this school, I want to say to you all: YOUR PAST DOES NOT DEFINE YOU. This is another chance, another opportunity and you must embrace it with determination and focus. Just believe in yourself and know there is light at the end of every tunnel.
In his address, Governor Ademola Adeleke, commended the First Lady for her passion for the education of women and girls.
He assured that his administration would continue to support educational development for all genders.
Also speaking, the First Lady of Osun State, Mrs Titilola Adeleke, praised Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a woman whose commitment to the education of women and girls is unmatched.