Lagos State has commissioned Nigeria’s first Alternative Secondary School for Girls, providing a new pathway for girls whose education was interrupted by social, economic or personal circumstances.
Eko Hot News reports that the school was commissioned at Old Ojo Road, Agboju, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented at the ceremony by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima.
The new institution is designed to give girls an opportunity to return to secondary education and continue their academic journey.
It is also expected to provide beneficiaries with relevant skills and prepare them for further education and economic opportunities.
The commissioning represents a major step towards making education more inclusive and responsive to the needs of girls whose schooling has been disrupted.
In her keynote address, Senator Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to education, empowerment and increased opportunities for Nigerian girls.
She commended the Lagos State Government for supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to expand access to education.
The First Lady also proposed that at least one alternative secondary school for girls should be established in each senatorial district.
She encouraged the students to approach their education with dedication, resilience and confidence.
Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to see the institution as an opportunity to rebuild their dreams and acquire knowledge and skills for their future.
She said the girls could overcome setbacks through determination and hard work.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the initiative as an important intervention for girls whose education had been interrupted.
She stressed that no girl should be permanently excluded from education because of circumstances beyond her control.
According to her, the school offers beneficiaries an opportunity to regain confidence and restore their dignity.
Sanwo-Olu said the Renewed Hope initiative has extended alternative education opportunities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
She added that education and technology remain important priorities for the Lagos State Government.
The Lagos First Lady also pledged continued support for sustaining the school and ensuring that beneficiaries receive the necessary assistance.
She commended the state government, education officials, partners and individuals whose contributions helped bring the project to reality.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, described the establishment of the school as a bold step towards ensuring that every girl has an opportunity to complete her education.
He explained that the initiative was developed in response to the challenges faced by girls whose schooling had been disrupted.
According to him, such circumstances should not determine the future of any beneficiary.
Alli-Balogun encouraged the students to view the school as a fresh opportunity to achieve their educational goals.
He urged them to embrace hard work, discipline and the support available to them.
The Commissioner said the school provides an alternative route back into formal education.
Students are expected to acquire relevant knowledge and practical skills while rebuilding their confidence.
The programme is also designed to prepare beneficiaries for further education, entrepreneurship and productive participation in society.
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Dr. Aisha Garba, said no child’s circumstances should determine his or her future.
Garba commended Senator Tinubu for her support for initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for Nigerian children.
She disclosed that another Alternative Secondary School for Girls located in Ikorodu is expected to be commissioned soon.
She added that the Federal Government is considering further reforms and initiatives to expand alternative education opportunities for girls.
Other dignitaries at the commissioning also welcomed the development.
They included the Ovori of Ibeshe Land, HRH Oba Dr. Gausu Alani Rasaki, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Hakeem Shittu, and the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District V, Mr. Dauda Abiodun Hassan.
The dignitaries described the initiative as a timely response to the educational needs of vulnerable and out-of-school girls.
They noted that investing in girls’ education can produce benefits for families, communities and the wider economy.
They encouraged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity and remain committed to their studies.
The speakers also stressed that second-chance education can help reduce educational exclusion and promote economic empowerment.
They said providing girls with opportunities to complete their education would contribute to a more equitable and productive society.
The commissioning ceremony also featured the presentation of gifts to outstanding students.
The gifts were presented by Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu in recognition of students who demonstrated excellence in different skills and crafts.
The recognition highlighted the importance of combining academic learning with practical skills development.
The new school is expected to serve as a model for alternative education programmes aimed at helping girls return to learning.
Its establishment also reflects growing efforts by government to address barriers that prevent some young people from completing formal education.
With continued support from government and stakeholders, the institution could provide more girls with opportunities to rebuild their educational and economic prospects.
The initiative therefore marks an important development in Lagos’ efforts to expand access to quality education.
For the beneficiaries, the school represents a fresh opportunity to pursue their ambitions and prepare for a more productive future.
