First Lady Commissions Renovated Alternative High School for Girls in Lagos, Calls Girl-Child Education Key to Nation Building
First Lady Commissions Renovated Alternative High School for Girls in Lagos, Calls Girl-Child Education Key to Nation Building
First Lady Commissions Renovated Alternative High School for Girls in Lagos, Calls Girl-Child Education Key to Nation Building
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned the renovated and upgraded Alternative High School for Girls in Agboju, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, reaffirming her commitment to ensuring that girls whose education has been disrupted by life circumstances are given a second chance to pursue their dreams.
Senator Tinubu, who was represented at the commissioning ceremony by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, described education for the girl child as a critical investment in Nigeria’s future, stressing that no girl should be permanently denied an opportunity to learn because of early pregnancy, poverty or other socio-economic challenges.
The Alternative High School for Girls was established in 2007, during the tenure of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State. The institution was designed to provide girls whose formal education had been interrupted with an opportunity to return to school, complete their secondary education and acquire practical vocational skills.
Following the renovation, the school now boasts two classroom blocks with more than 26 classrooms, alongside upgraded learning and vocational facilities.
The facilities include agriculture, physics and biology laboratories, as well as dedicated spaces for cosmetology, garment making, hairdressing, catering and home economics. The school also has an equipped library and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities designed to support modern learning.
‘No Girl Should Be Denied a Second Chance’
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu said the philosophy behind the Alternative High School initiative was rooted in the belief that circumstances should not permanently determine the future of a girl.
She reaffirmed her commitment to providing opportunities for girls and women whose education has been disrupted to rebuild their lives through education and skills acquisition.
According to her, the objective is to ensure that girls who have experienced difficult circumstances can return to the classroom, acquire relevant skills and become productive contributors to their families and communities.
The First Lady expressed delight over the renovation and equipping of the Agboju school through the intervention of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
She commended the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, and her team for their commitment to improving learning environments and expanding alternative access to education.
Senator Tinubu also applauded UBEC’s efforts to establish Alternative High Schools for Girls in different parts of the country.
She particularly highlighted the ongoing construction of another Alternative High School for Girls in Ikorodu, Lagos State, expressing optimism that the facility would soon be completed and commissioned.
Three Alternative High Schools Envisioned for Lagos
The First Lady disclosed that the broader vision is to establish at least one Alternative High School for Girls in each of Lagos State’s three senatorial districts.
She noted that Lagos West and Lagos East already have schools serving the purpose, leaving Lagos Central as the remaining district.
She therefore called on the Lagos State Government to complete the initiative by establishing an additional Alternative High School for Girls in Lagos Central.
She also urged relevant authorities to ensure that the existing schools are properly maintained and effectively managed so that more girls can complete their education and acquire skills capable of improving their economic prospects.
‘Let Your Past Not Define Your Future’
Addressing the students, Senator Tinubu urged them to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the institution and refuse to allow past experiences to determine their future.
“Let your past not define your future. With determination, discipline, and hard work, you can achieve your dreams and become positive contributors to our nation’s development.”
She encouraged the students to remain focused on their education, develop their talents and use the skills acquired to build productive and independent futures.
‘Educating a Girl Educates a Nation’
The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the commissioning as more than the unveiling of a renovated school.
She said the project represented the restoration of dignity and the creation of new opportunities for young women whose education had been interrupted.
According to her, investing in girls has a multiplier effect because “educating a girl is educating a family, a community, and a nation.”
UBEC Reaffirms Commitment to Alternative Education
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, said the Commission remains committed to providing alternative access to education alongside skills development for young Nigerians across the country.
She explained that the renovation of the Agboju Alternative High School formed part of the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to expanding educational opportunities for vulnerable and underserved groups.
Dr. Garba also confirmed that work on the Alternative High School for Girls in Ikorodu is ongoing and is expected to be completed and commissioned soon.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education and the Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The high point of the ceremony was the inspection of the renovated facilities by Hajiya Nana Shettima, who represented the First Lady.
The commissioning marks another step towards creating inclusive educational opportunities for girls whose schooling has been interrupted, while equipping them with academic knowledge and practical skills needed to participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s social and economic development.
The message from the initiative is clear: a difficult beginning does not have to mean a difficult future—and with access to education, skills and opportunity, every girl deserves a second chance to succeed.
First Lady Commissions Renovated Alternative High School for Girls in Lagos, Calls Girl-Child Education Key to Nation Building
