*Gives scholarships to 1,362 beneficiaries
Emmanuel Kehinde, ilorin
The founder of Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation, Engineer Sunday Adebayo Babalola, has said it is sad that inspite of billions of naira spent by the Federal Government of Nigeria in the education sector and also on its National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, there are reports that Nigeria has about 13.2million out of school children.
He spoke on Tuesday in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, during the sixth edition of the scholarship awards of the non-governmental organisation. His speech was read by the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the foundation, who is also a retired principal, Mr. Dele Ajiboye.
549 people, consists of 95 pupils from Junior Secondary School 3; 64 from Senior Secondary School (WASC); 169 students from tertiary institutions and 221 others were the beneficiaries of this years scholarship awards of the NGO..
Babalola stated that a total of 1,362 beneficiaries pupils and students had received scholarship since the inception of the scheme. He explained that 549 youngsters benefited for this year’s scholarships, while 813 had benefited in the previous five editions of 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 of the scheme.
He added that the NGO had invested about N29.4m, (excluding logistics) in the 1,362 beneficiaries.
It could be recalled that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) had in a report said over 13 million school children were out of school in Nigeria.
Also the Governor of Gombe State, Governor Mohammed Yahaya, had recently while flagging off the domestication of At Risk Children Project (ARC-P) in the state said about 13.2 million children in Nigeria are out of school.
Also President Muhammadu Buhari in his address to make Nigeria’s 61st Independence anniversary said the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme was being implemented in 35 States of the Federation and the FCT.
He added that over 103,000 women have been engaged and empowered as cooks under the programme, while about 10 million pupils are being fed across public primary schools in the country.
Babalola lamented that kidnappings, banditry and farmers/herders’ conflicts had negatively impacted on the nation’s education sector.
He called for concerted efforts of all stakeholders to address educational challenges.
National President, Omu-Aran Development Association, Major General Yemi Abidoye(rtd) described education as the most valuable asset in life which will make the younger generation true leaders of tomorrow. He lauded Engineer Babalola for his scholarship initiative which, he said, has turned the fortunes of many children who are brilliant but their parents are not capable financially.
He noted that aside from the scholarship scheme, Engineer Babalola also plays active roles in moving the entire community forward. He prayed God to continue to bless him.
The retired military officer advised the students and pupils to emulate their benefactor and shun internet scams and other social vices so that they will be useful for themselves and the society in future.
He also admonished parents and guardians to perform their roles effectively.
Transition Implementation Committee Chairman, Irepodun LGA; Mr. Jide Oyinloye, said government alone cannot fund education.
According to him, it is better to build people than to build houses.
He commended Engineer Sunday and Mrs. Bunmi Babalola for the scholarships and advised the students and pupils to face their studies seriously.
Babalola said, “What caused these 13 million out of school children is lack of planning, no patriotism and insecurity. The resources we have in this country are enough to make all sectors functional and people comfortable. Most of our leaders and Nigerians are self-centred. We have enough resources to grow all sectors of the nation. We can plan things very well so that we can have a good balance but lack of patriotism and lack of planning are inhibiting factors.
“Simply put, the over 13 million out-of-school children are part of insecurity in this country as some of them either have become or could become tools in the hands of insurgents and bandits.
“People in government should start thinking of and ensuring that they do the right thing.
There was a time when nomadic education was implemented in this country. If they could try to educate nomads, I do not see why the 13.2 million out-of-school children cannot be educated.
“It is therefore sad, or rather ironic and pathetic, that Nigeria is said to have 13.2 million out-of-school children while some are attending school and are being fed.
This puts the future of the country in jeopardy. The said population of out-of-school children is actually more than that of some countries. And these out-of-school children would eventually make living in Nigeria very difficult for those being educated and the elites’ children who are sent schools abroad.”
He added, “This nongovernmental organisation spent about N19.4m, comprising N17m directly to the beneficiaries and about N2.4m on logistics in the past editions.
“We increased the award amount to N10 million this year to compensate for our inability to hold the award in 2020 because of the pandemic. As a result, we have invested about N29.4m in the beneficiaries (excluding logistics).
“We have made this whopping investments, not because we have all the money but as our willingness to sacrifice and a show of commitment for the educational advancement of the younger generation. We believe in Luke 12:48 that ‘To whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.’ We believe firmly that every child should have good education as education is the bedrock of societal growth and advancement.
“Education is instrumental to the emergence of outstanding professionals, business tycoons, local government, state, national and world leaders. Without education, the society, alas the world at large, will not only stagnate but retrogress. Crimes, poverty, sickness, insecurity, and total darkness will overwhelm the world without education.”