From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has suggested the development of an effective and efficient volunteer system that would provide a platform for individuals to offer free tutorial services to children in basic and secondary schools, and even beyond.
He also supported the campaign for the increased use of mother-tongue for teaching and learning in basic education system, stressing that such measures have proven to be more effective and had allowed children have better understanding of whatever is being taught.
Senator Okorocha made the suggestions at an event organised by Rochas Foundation to celebrate the International Day of the Girl-Child in Abuja.
He said: “Records indicated that Nigeria has over 13 million out-of-school children, and 70 per cent of them are girls. So, there’s need for education opportunities which are catalyst for human capital development and empowerment.
“To this end, Rochas Foundation has been seriously committed to any cause that would improve the education and empowerment opportunities of Nigerian and African children.
“At Rochas Foundation College of Africa, we have thousands of students from 22 African countries who are acquiring quality education at our different educational facilities. So far, over 40,000 students from several African countries have passed through our schools. That’s a massive achievement that could lead to liberation and empowerment.”
He insisted that the government alone cannot fix the challenges of education because there are other challenges competing for the limited funds that are available. “It should be a collective effort by all and sundry, and volunteerism is the way to go.
“Wealthy men should freely contribute their resources to this course. Housewives and NYSC members should also be deployed to this course to provide education for the people. Education is no longer a privilege, but a right of every child. Government should initiate volunteerism because it’s the way to salvage the system.
“For instance, Rochas Foundation has been contributing to education development in the last 25 years, and imagine more people doing same thing we have been doing, we would achieve more result.”
He, thus advocated the usage of local languages in teaching in schools, stressing that it could help to improve learning and understanding. “Fluency in English language should not be a yardstick for intelligence.
Former Sierra Leone President, Ernest Bai Koroma, in his remarks, congratulated the female students on the 2024 International Day of the Girl-Child, encouraging them to boldly take up the task of reshaping their world through innovations.
Koroma appreciated Rochas Foundation for the desire to strengthen unity in Africa through education and women empowerment.
He said: “I never knew that lots of children from different African countries are studying in Rochas Foundation Colleges. This is a kind gesture that will assist in liberating Africa, thus strengthening its unity and place in comity of developed nations.”
He, thus, challenged the children to leverage the available opportunity to acquire education, exchange ideas and practices, and most importantly, network with fellow students from other countries so that they collectively, work for the good of the continent.
He said: “There are students from 22 African countries in the school. It’s a good opportunity and platform to network. Nevertheless, as you celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, challenge yourselves to be agents of positive changes in Africa.
“Also, reflect on the challenges facing the Girl-Child, and the huge benefits you could get from acquiring education at an environment with different children from other parts of the continent.”
Director General, Rochas Foundation, Uchechi Rochas, said in her remarks, that the foundation has taken it upon itself to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, because of the importance it attached to women empowerment.
She promised that Rochas Foundation will continue to champion any cause that will strengthen the voice of women, thus giving them their rightful place in the society.
Nigerians want to proptest because they are hungry. They are…
Much as I am in sympathy with the Nigerian youth nation- wid…
May his gentle soul rest in peace and may the good Lord comf…
Well spoken ‘The Rock’. You were supposed to be leading us i…
You talk as if Nigeria goes up in flames today, you and memb…
