NGO canvasses support for low-income children

A non-profit organisation, Teach For Nigeria, says it has graduated its fourth cohort of fellows as part of efforts to improve foundational learning outcomes and life opportunities for low-income children in Nigeria.

A statement by the NGO said the graduation ceremony, which took place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, had industry experts, partners, alumni and stakeholders in attendance.

Present at the ceremony included the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and representatives of the commissioners for Education, Lagos and Ogun states.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer, Teach for Nigeria, Folawe Omikunle, said the cohort recorded significant gains in academic and non-academic outcomes in the schools, impacting over 70,000 pupils even as the world experienced learning losses.

He said, “It is a big feat for the graduating fellows, as not everyone who started with the cohort made it through. 385 out of the 417 appointed fellows chose to stay through despite the challenges of COVID-19 and in the space of 2 years, have left an indelible impact on their communities.”

On his part, Obasanjo emphasised the importance of providing educational opportunities for people to maximise their innate potential.

“There is nothing more frustrating than having the capacity and no opportunities. Education for children, youths and adults should be limitless. There is no one who is born without an element of innate capacity which has to be developed and if the person does not go to school, the development of that innate capacity will be hindered,” he said.

In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, encouraged the graduating fellows to use the platform they had been offered to continue their individual journies.

Suleiman said, “Think of how you will inspire and encourage others by sharing your stories with them. No matter how big your dreams are, remember that there are people who will support you.”