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In a compassionate response to the tragic school building collapse in Nigeria’s central Plateau State, IA-Foundation has donated N250,000 to Saint Academy School. The devastating incident resulted in the loss of 22 young lives and left 132 injured.
Heartfelt Condolences from IA-Foundation
IA-Foundation’s founder, Mrs. Ibironke Adeagbo, expressed her deepest sympathies to all affected by the collapse. In a statement issued on Thursday, she described the incident as heart-wrenching, sharing the community’s grief during this challenging time.
“The loss of young lives and the injury to many others is a tragedy that deeply touches every one of us,” she said. Adeagbo also commended the bravery and resilience of those who worked tirelessly to assist the victims.
Supporting Recovery and Rebuilding Efforts
Adeagbo emphasized the foundation’s commitment to providing assistance: “In light of this tragic event, we stand ready to offer any assistance within our capacity to aid in the recovery and support efforts of the affected students and their families. To this end, we are donating N250,000 to assist in these efforts.”
She extended IA-Foundation’s deepest sympathies to the staff, students, and families of Saint Academy, offering hope for solace and eventual recovery and rebuilding.
Recognizing Bravery and Resilience
Adeagbo praised the first responders and medical teams: “We commend the bravery and resilience of everyone involved, especially those who worked tirelessly to assist those in need. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the students, and their families as you navigate this unimaginable ordeal.”
Commitment to Education and Welfare
IA-Foundation remains dedicated to supporting educational institutions and the welfare of children, particularly focusing on out-of-school children. The foundation’s efforts aim to transform lives through education, even in the face of such tragedies.
For more information about IA-Foundation and our ongoing efforts to support education in Nigeria and beyond, please visit our website.
“IA-Foundation applauds the Nigerian government’s DOTS project aimed at reintegrating over 20 million out-of-school children through data-driven strategies, teacher training, and skill development.”
The IA-Foundation has praised the Nigerian government’s new initiative aimed at addressing the education crisis affecting millions of out-of-school children. This article explores the details of this commendable effort and its potential impact on the education sector.
The DOTS Project: A Game Changer
President Bola Tinubu has launched the Data, Out-of-School, Training, and Skills (DOTS) project. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive data repository to track and improve the educational outcomes of out-of-school children. The project also focuses on training teachers and developing essential skills among students, which is crucial for holistic education reform.
Addressing the Data Gap
A significant aspect of the DOTS project is its emphasis on addressing the lack of coordinated data in the education sector. Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, highlighted the need for accurate data to track student progress and ensure that interventions are effective. This data-driven approach is expected to streamline efforts to reintegrate out-of-school children into the education system.
IA-Foundation’s Support and Commitment
IA-Foundation, a dedicated organization working to reduce the number of out-of-school children, has expressed strong support for the DOTS project. The foundation’s mission aligns with the government’s initiative to bring over 20 million out-of-school children back into the classroom. The IA-Foundation believes that this initiative is a significant step towards achieving universal education in Nigeria.
Impact on Nigeria’s Education Sector
The successful implementation of the DOTS project could revolutionize Nigeria’s education sector. By providing essential data and resources, the project aims to create a more inclusive and effective education system. This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of out-of-school children but also sets the foundation for sustainable educational development in Nigeria.
Conclusion
The IA-Foundation’s commendation of the Nigerian government’s DOTS project underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the education crisis. With the support of organizations like IA-Foundation and a data-driven approach, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in improving educational outcomes for all children. The future of Nigeria’s education sector looks promising, with initiatives like the DOTS project paving the way for lasting change.
For more information on this initiative, you can read the full article https://tribuneonlineng.com/ngo-applauds-fg-for-out-of-school-children-initiative/
IA-Foundation, a dedicated non-governmental organization, celebrated 2024 Children’s Day by visiting Little Saints Orphanage Home, where they donated books and mathematical sets.
During the visit, Mrs. Ibironke Adeagbo, the founder and CEO of IA-Foundation, highlighted the organization’s mission to positively impact young lives, emphasizing that every child should feel loved and valued. Adeagbo stated that this initiative is a key part of the foundation’s strategy to ensure no child is left behind, regardless of their background.
She urged the government, corporate entities, NGOs, and individuals to collaborate to ensure that no child remains on the streets without access to education. Adeagbo stressed the importance of a united effort across all sectors to support children and provide them with the opportunities they deserve.
“The visit underscores IA-Foundation’s commitment to community service and child welfare,” said Adeagbo, emphasizing the significance of giving back and fostering hope and happiness among the less privileged.
On a recent radio program, ‘Round of Applause,’ Adeagbo invited the public to visit IA-Foundation’s website (www.ia-foundation.org) to sponsor out-of-school children. She reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to removing children from the streets and ensuring they receive a proper education.
The foundation primarily focuses on vulnerable children, including orphans, those without fathers, and children whose parents lack the financial means to send them to school. Adeagbo also called for legislation to hold parents accountable for not providing education to their children.
“We target vulnerable children such as orphans and those whose parents cannot afford to send them to school. If you know of a child in such a situation, please reach out to us,” she urged. “Every parent should ensure their child receives an education, and there should be laws in place to deal with those who refuse to do so.”
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Brigadier-General Lawal Ja’afar Isa (Rtd) as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education.
The President has also approved the appointment of Alhaji Tijani Hashim Abbas as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Chieftaincy Matters.
General Ja’afar Isa is a respected leader and was Military Administrator of Kaduna State from 1993 to 1996, while Alhaji Tijani Hashim Abbas is the Sarkin Sudan Kano.
The President anticipates that the new appointees will bring their vast experience into these important roles, which impact the very core of society, while ensuring that his administration’s drive to guarantee Nigeria’s out-of-school children the most comprehensive education is realized in the superceding interest of the nation’s future.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
Abuja, March 16, 2024:
Two Nigerian charities based in the UK are to submit a report on the current security situation in Nigeria to the UK Government and Parliament on March 19.
The report was developed by academics at King’s College, London. It is to be presented at the UK Parliament by the two charities, Ibironke Adeagbo Foundation (IA-Foundation and the International Organisation for Peace Building and Social Justice (PSJ), UK.
The Chief Executive Officer of IA-Foundation, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo, told newsmen in a telephone interview in Abuja on Saturday that the report was meant to keep the UK Government abreast of the current security crisis in Nigeria. She said that the report had detailed and analyzed “the nexus between education and insecurity in Nigeria’’.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a former British colony has been at the receiving end of relentless abductions of school children in mainly northern Nigeria. On March 8, some 287 school children were kidnapped in a school in North western Kaduna State and 15 more were abducted in neighboring Sokoto State days later. The recurring abductions which started since 2014 have forced about 20.2 million children out of classrooms, disrupted homes and forced millions out of their farms.
Adeagbo said that the report entitled: “Illiteracy and Insecurity-an Unholy Marriage’’, highlighted and appraised the relationship between education and insecurity across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
“Education has been a key sector hit both directly and indirectly with direct attacks on learning institutions and student populations with kidnappings, killings, destruction of infrastructure and sowing of fear.’’ She said that the report would also be presented to Nigerian envoys and diplomats in the UK, to make them to have better grasp of the security issues at home. Adeagbo, who has been at the forefront of tackling Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, said that the report was being presented at a time Nigeria and the UK had renewed their Security and Defence Partnership Pact.
According to her, the pact seeks to address and eliminate all forms of terror and insecurity in Nigeria for the long-term benefit of the West African country and its former colonial master. She said that the report presentation was also coming at a time when the Federal Government showed resolve to tackle the problems with the appointment of retired Gen. Ja’afar Isa as the Executive Director of the Alamajiri and Out-of-School Children Commission.
Adeagbo said that government was beginning to act on the recommendations made by the foundation on how best to tackle the out-of-school children crisis.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of PSJ UK, Mr Ayo Adedoyin, said that the report also looked at the causes, trends and implications of the high rate of insecurity on the development of education at all levels in Nigeria. According to him, the absence of peace has been a national tragedy and, particularly so in the northern and middle belt parts of Nigeria.
He said that the development had caused severe disruptions in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, including agriculture and transportation.
“This must be tackled comprehensively now otherwise, it will mess up our collective future,’’ he added.
Adedoyin said that the two charities would develop a “Draft Action Plan’’ to be presented to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Office of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser for implementation. The Chief Executive Officer of Halogen Group, Mr Wale Olaoye, is also scheduled to make a presentation on the insecurity challenges in Nigeria during the report presentation.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has urged the Nigerian government to prioritize the safe release of students abducted by bandits in Kaduna and Sokoto states.
Speaking in Abuja during the launch of the WTO-ITC 2024 technical assistance program for Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the importance of education in driving economic development and expressed deep concern over the recent mass abduction of students and teachers in the country.
Highlighting specific incidents, she noted the abduction of over 200 students from the Government Secondary School Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna, as well as the disappearance of 15 Tsangaya students following a bandit attack on a school in Gidan Bakuso, Gada LGA of Sokoto.
Okonjo-Iweala, acknowledging the ongoing efforts of security operatives, underscored the urgency of the situation, urging swift action to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals.
Despite recent security measures, cases of attacks, killings, and abductions persist in various parts of the country, reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by insecurity.
The call to action comes amid escalating concerns over the safety and well-being of Nigerian students and underscores the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of insecurity and safeguard educational institutions.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, Okonjo-Iweala’s appeal serves as a reminder of the critical role education plays in shaping the future and prosperity of Nigeria, urging stakeholders to unite to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
We are thrilled to announce that First Bank Nigeria has generously come on board as a major sponsor for our upcoming Charity Event in support of out-of-school children. Save the date – March 2nd, at the prestigious Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. Your presence is eagerly awaited!
Event Highlights:
Entertainment Extravaganza:
Join us for a laughter-filled evening with a talented stand-up comedian and groove to the lively tunes of a live band, creating an energetic and vibrant atmosphere.
Raffle Prizes Galore:
Your chance to win fantastic raffle prizes awaits! Don’t miss out on the excitement – who knows, you might be a lucky winner.
Awards Ceremony:
We’ll be recognizing and celebrating outstanding individuals who’ve made a significant impact. Witness the magic as we honor those who’ve gone above and beyond.
Gourmet Delights:
Indulge in a culinary delight with an array of gourmet food options that will tantalize your taste buds.
This event promises to be a unique blend of entertainment, philanthropy, and celebration. Your participation will contribute to a noble cause – ensuring a brighter future for out-of-school children.
Mark your calendar, spread the word, and join us for an unforgettable evening at the Civic Center. Together, let’s make a difference!
See you there!
In a distressing incident in Ekiti state, unidentified gunmen targeted Apostolic Faith School pupils who were en route to Emure-Ekiti on Monday. The assailants intercepted the school bus at Eporo-Ekiti, kidnapping an unspecified number of pupils, a teacher, and the driver.
Despite the harrowing ordeal, the Ekiti state government assures citizens that efforts are underway to rescue the abducted children. Governor Biodun Oyebanji urges residents not to lose hope, emphasizing the commitment of security agencies to bring the pupils and their teacher back safely.
This incident follows the tragic murder of two traditional rulers in Ekiti state, further underscoring the urgency of addressing security challenges. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals, calls upon the Ekiti state police command and the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene and ensure the safe release of the abducted pupils.
In a resolute plea, let us unite to condemn this heinous act and advocate for the immediate release of these innocent children. Education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves a safe environment to learn and grow. By standing together against such atrocities, we send a clear message that the well-being of our children and the sanctity of education cannot be compromised.
As we condemn these acts of violence, let us amplify the call for the safe return of the kidnapped pupils. Our collective voice can make a difference in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to go to school without fear. It is crucial that we stand in solidarity, demanding justice and the restoration of security for our communities.
In a recent development, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, along with Hauwa Mustapha, has taken legal action against key figures in Nigeria’s education system. The lawsuit targets the Attorney General of the Federation, the Minister of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Attorneys General of the 36 states, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The crux of the matter revolves around ensuring the education of Nigerian children of school age. The applicants, representing themselves and the Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond, are urging the Federal High Court in Lagos to issue an order compelling the 4th-40th respondents to pay the counterpart fund needed to access a matching grant of N68 billion in the Universal Basic Education Fund.
The court is also being petitioned to declare the legal obligation, as per the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, for the respondents to provide free, compulsory, and universal basic education for every Nigerian child of primary and junior secondary school age.
Additionally, the applicants seek declarations affirming the mandatory contributions from the Federal Government and each state, as outlined in sections 11(1) and 11(2) of the Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act. The refusal or failure of the respondents to access the allocated N68 billion for universal basic education is challenged as illegal, violating the provisions of the Act.
The affidavit, sworn to by Femi Falana on January 26, 2024, references a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), revealing an alarming estimate of 20.2 million out-of-school children in Nigeria. With one in three children in the country out of school, Nigeria currently holds the unfortunate record for the highest number of out-of-school children globally.
This legal action underscores the importance of addressing the education crisis in Nigeria and holding responsible parties accountable for the well-being and future of the nation’s children.
IA-Foundation has sought the partnership of the newly elected Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Honorable Jamiu Alli-Balogun in addressing challenges in providing basic education.
Mr. Diran Famakinwa, the foundation’s Vice Chairman, and Mr. Deji Ishmael, the Chairman of Board Strategic Communications, alongside Program Support Officer Miss Opeyemi Grace Adedara, expressed this intention during a recent visit to the Honorable Commissioner in his Lagos office.
The Vice Chairman took the opportunity to introduce IA-Foundation, shedding light on its mission, vision, and noteworthy accomplishments over the past five years.
The Commissioner lauded the Foundation for its commendable efforts in reducing the number of out-of-school children in Lagos State and Nigeria at large. Expressing gratitude, he urged IA-Foundation to intensify its focus on Lagos State, emphasizing the state’s unique status as “a country in a country” with a substantial population and a significant number of out-of-school children.
Recognizing the diversity of challenges faced by children who may not be inclined to pursue formal education, Honorable Jamiu Alli-Balogun encouraged the Foundation to invest more in Skill Acquisition Programs. This, he believed, would empower children to take charge of their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
In a promising development, the Commissioner pledged to collaborate with IA-Foundation in promoting Skill Acquisition Programs across the state. He expressed his commitment to working hand in hand with the Foundation to ensure no child is left on the streets without access to education or skill development opportunities.
The IA-Foundation team expressed their appreciation for the Commissioner’s encouragement and his expressed interest in partnership.
Mr. Ishmael, assured the Commissioner that the details of their discussions would be communicated to the Foundation’s board.
As a tangible step towards fostering continued engagement, an invitation letter for the Foundation’s 5th Fundraising and Charity Ball for out-of-school children was presented to the Commissioner. In a show of support and commitment, Honorable Jamiu Alli-Balogun graciously accepted the invitation, promising his attendance at the event.
This visit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance educational opportunities and address the challenges faced by out-of-school children. The collaboration between IA-Foundation and the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education reflects a shared commitment to building a brighter future for the youth, ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of education and skills that empower them for life.
In a bid to strengthen collaborations and address educational, the Board of Trustees representatives and staff of IA-Foundation recently engaged in a meaningful courtesy visit to the newly appointed Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Honorable Jamiu Alli-Balogun.
On the 9th of January 2024, Mr. Diran Famakinwa, Vice Chairman, and Mr. Deji Ishmael, Chairman of Board Strategic Communications, along with Program Support Officer Miss Opeyemi Grace Adedara, had the honor of meeting with the Commissioner. During this visit, the Vice Chairman provided a comprehensive overview of IA-Foundation’s mission, vision, and impactful achievements spanning the last five years.
The Commissioner lauded IA-Foundation for its commendable strides in reducing the number of out-of-school children, not just in Lagos State but across Nigeria. Expressing gratitude, he urged the Foundation to channel more efforts towards Lagos State, emphasizing its unique demographic challenges as “a country in a country” with a substantial population and a significant out-of-school children demographic.
Recognizing the diverse obstacles faced by children uninterested in traditional education, Honorable Jamiu Alli-Balogun urged IA-Foundation to invest further in Skill Acquisition Programs. He believed that empowering children with practical skills would enable them to take control of their lives and make meaningful contributions to society.
In a promising development, the Commissioner pledged active collaboration with IA-Foundation in promoting Skill Acquisition Programs across the state. His commitment to working closely with the Foundation signifies a shared vision of ensuring that no child is left without access to education or skill development opportunities.
Expressing their gratitude for the Commissioner’s support, the IA-Foundation team, led by Mr. Deji Ishmael, Chairman of Board Strategic Communications, assured the Commissioner that all discussed matters would be promptly conveyed to the Foundation’s board.
Taking the collaboration a step further, an invitation letter for the Foundation’s 5th Fundraising and Charity Ball for out-of-school children was handed over to the Commissioner. In a show of solidarity, Honorable Jamiu Alli-Balogun graciously accepted the invitation, affirming his attendance at the event.
This visit not only marks a crucial moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance educational opportunities but also signifies a pivotal collaboration between IA-Foundation and the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education. Together, they are committed to building a brighter future for the youth, ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of education and skills that empower them for life.