UBEC launches school in Lagos to re-enrol female dropouts

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) inaugurated an Alternative High School for Girls in Agboju, Lagos State, aimed at re-enrolling female school dropouts. At the commissioning ceremony, UBEC's Executive Secretary, Dr Aisha Garba, emphasized that poverty, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, displacement, and family responsibilities should not permanently bar girls from accessing education.

Garba stressed that the initiative went beyond merely renovating the school; it sought to restore hope and provide a second chance for vulnerable girls and young women to complete their education. The new school will offer a blend of academic instruction and vocational education, equipping beneficiaries with essential skills for economic independence.

The school's facilities include renovated classrooms, ICT resources, laboratory equipment, vocational training tools, furniture, water, and sanitation systems. Garba called on the Lagos State Government to maintain the facility, ensuring accessibility for girls seeking to resume their education. She further announced that construction of an Alternative High School for Girls in Ikorodu was nearing completion, highlighting UBEC's commitment to expand second-chance education opportunities across the state.

Garba indicated that UBEC would equip the Agboju school with a bus and digital smart boards by the end of 2026. The effectiveness of this intervention would be gauged by the accomplishments of the girls attending the school rather than the quality of the renovated buildings. Garba urged Agboju residents to safeguard the facility and support its beneficiaries as they rebuild their educational and professional lives.