As part of efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country, a non-governmental organisation, Empowering Africans Through Education Initiative, (EAE) has awarded N140, 000 worth of scholarship to 13 pupils selected across public and low-income private schools in Lagos State.
Speaking during the presentation of the scholarship to the pupils, the Community Engagement Manager, EAE, Joseph Onokpe, said the scholarship scheme was about improving lives of children and seeing that basic education becomes inclusive in Nigeria.
He said the initiative is aimed at cushioning the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with the belief that no pupil is left out on account of lack of basic amenities.
“So, the scholarship offered N140, 000, for a full academic year in the following forms: school support: provision of basic school needs such as books, stationaries, school uniform, among others.
“It is about seeing children get better at what they do. It is a great fulfillment and joy to see a child wake up and have access to basic education without being left out due to certain limitations, seeing that education has become the ticket out of poverty. I believe if we can touch the lives of these children, they will grow up to pass the baton of change. This implies that over the years, we will have more children in schools.
Also commending EAE, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, (LASUBEB) chairman, Mr Wahab Alawiye-King, said the need to improve on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is paramount in today’s world.
Alawiye-King, who was represented by Deputy Director, Co-Curricular, LASUBEB, Mrs Ismail Margaret, said: “The need for more support by NGOs like EAE is appreciated to intensify efforts in improving science and technology, as technology of today may be obsolete tomorrow.
Expressing delight over items given to them, a basic six pupil from Fazil-Omar Amadiya Primary School, Al-Amin Kabiru, said he felt happy being selected for the scholarship.
“I am a basic six pupil of Fazil-Omar Amadiya Primary School. I feel excited and proud of myself for winning this scholarship. We have been given food and school items. I thank the NGO for being so kind.” Kabiru expressed.
Head Teacher, Mr Adekanbi Jeremiah, said: “This empowerment done by EAE is a welcome one. First, they started with training our teachers on how to use STEM equipment to teach. They have made another landmark reaching out to the children, especially the less- privileged. With this gesture, they are trying to take care of their health, school materials and nutrition. This will go a long way. If other organisations will be on the same page, Nigeria will be better.”
THE GUARDIAN
