By Ghazali Ibrahim
Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru has described the ongoing Alternative High School for Girls in Igbogbo-Baiyeku as an opportunity to help girls who dropped out of school return to education and acquire skills for economic independence.
Abiru, who represents Lagos East Senatorial District, stated this on Wednesday when he inspected the construction of the school, an initiative being implemented under the Renewed Hope Initiative of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
The school is designed as a second-chance education platform for girls and young women whose schooling was interrupted by circumstances including early pregnancy, financial hardship and other socio-economic challenges.
Rather than focusing solely on conventional academic education, the facility is expected to combine classroom learning with vocational training in areas including garment-making, cosmetology, hairdressing, catering and information and communication technology.
Abiru commended the First Lady for extending the initiative to Igbogbo-Baiyeku, describing the project as an important intervention that could change the prospects of girls who might otherwise remain excluded from formal education.
He also acknowledged the roles played by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who provided the land for the project; Minister of Education Tunji Alausa; and Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun.
The senator further recognised the support of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, towards the project.
With the project still under construction, Abiru urged residents to see the school as a community asset and protect it from vandalism and neglect.
He also appealed to residents to cooperate with the contractor to ensure the project is completed on schedule, while charging the contractor to deliver a durable facility capable of serving the girls it was designed for.
The initiative, when completed, is expected to give young women in Igbogbo-Baiyeku who were forced out of school another route back into education while equipping them with practical skills that can improve their chances of becoming self-reliant.
