In an effort to address the critical issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewumi Adeyemi, commonly known as Irekandu, has extended the Scholarship for Out-of-School Children program to benefit more underprivileged students in Obokun State Constituency of Osun State.
During his scholarship programme on Thursday, Adeyemi added 49 additional out-of-school children to his initiative, known as the ‘Irekandu Back to School Project.’
In his opening remark, the lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency stated, “As of today, approximately 10.5 million children aged 5-14 years are not enrolled in school in Nigeria, despite primary education being officially free and compulsory. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need to provide educational opportunities for these marginalised children.”
He went on to explain that the Scholarship for Out-of-School Children program, initiated three years ago, aims to bridge this educational gap by offering support to indigent students who may have dropped out of school or are facing significant financial constraints.
“The expansion of the program now includes an additional 51 students joining the existing 21 beneficiaries.”
When explaining the program’s significance, Adeyemi emphasised that it is not solely about providing financial assistance but also serving as a lifeline for these children to successfully complete their primary and secondary education.
“The program will provide essential learning materials such as textbooks, exercise books, bags, and writing materials to ensure students have the necessary resources to excel in their studies. Furthermore, each beneficiary will receive financial assistance to address their personal school-related needs,” Adeyemi stated.
He added, “I firmly believe that all children, regardless of their location or circumstances, have the fundamental right to quality education. This commitment is at the heart of my initiative.”
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Adewale Egbedun, remarked that the initiative aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to the education they deserve.
Egbedun, who noted that the initiative goes beyond politics but is impactful, stated that Adeyemi’s dedication to this cause aims at building a brighter future for Nigeria where education is accessible to all.
“The expansion of the Scholarship for Out-of-School Children program in Obokun State Constituency is a positive step towards addressing the educational challenges faced by marginalized children in Nigeria. It is a testament to the unwavering commitment of individuals like Adewumi Adeyemi to creating a better future for the country’s youth.”
Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Ibukun Fadipe, lauded the initiatives and described it as a “commendable effort to address the pressing issue of children who are currently not enrolled in school. It underscores the importance of providing educational opportunities for all, regardless of their socio-economic background.”
Some of the parents of the scholarship recipients expressed their joy over the scholarship while appreciating the lawmaker.
Mrs Idowu, a parent and a person facing challenges, expressed her deep gratitude for her son Idowu Saheed’s inclusion in the scholarship program.
In her own words, she shared her sentiments with journalists, saying, “I am immensely grateful to Honourable Adewumi Adeyemi for including my child in this scholarship program. As a single mother, I have faced many challenges in providing for my family, and this opportunity will make a significant difference in my child’s life. Education is the greatest gift we can give to our children, and I thank Irekandu for making it possible for us.”
. TheWitness
