{
  "id": 1276944,
  "title": "UBEC Reopens Doors for Dropout Girls, Young Mothers with Rehabilitated School in Lagos",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/ubec-reopens-doors-for-dropout-girls-young-mothers-with-rehabilitated",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T13:47:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/08/16/ubec-reopens-doors-for-dropout-girls-young-mothers-with-rehabilitated-school-in-lagos/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Abuja has launched an initiative to reintegrate girls who left school, particularly teenage mothers and those from impoverished backgrounds, back into the education system. This effort was highlighted during the inauguration of a newly rehabilitated Alternative High School for Girls in Agboju, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.\n\nUBEC's Executive Secretary, Dr Aisha Garba, emphasized that these girls should not be seen as \"lost causes.\" The school serves as a \"second-chance\" for those who had to leave due to early pregnancy, financial difficulties, and other socio-economic challenges. Garba stated that every girl should have the opportunity to complete her secondary education and acquire vocational skills to prepare for future careers and independence.\n\nThe school, constructed with two blocks and over 26 classrooms, includes specialized laboratories for Agriculture, Physics, and Biology. Additionally, it features vocational workshops for cosmetology, garment-making, hairdressing, catering, and home economics, alongside a library and ICT center. This comprehensive setup aims to equip students with both academic knowledge and practical skills to help them achieve self-reliance.\n\nSpeaking on behalf of the First Lady, Nana Shettima, highlighted the critical role of educating girls in national development. She encouraged the students not to let their past experiences dictate their future and to seize the academic and vocational opportunities available at the school. The inauguration was seen by Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the beginning of a new chapter for the beneficiaries. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the renovation process restored the school's dignity and would create broader opportunities for young women, stressing that every educated girl benefits not only herself but also her family, community, and nation.\n\nUBEC is further expanding these initiatives by rehabilitating another Alternative High School for Girls in Ikorodu. This expansion is part of UBEC's ongoing commitment to collaborate with state governments and stakeholders to broaden alternative education programs, enhance learning environments, and strengthen skill acquisition for girls and young women across Nigeria. The renovated school is equipped with upgraded academic, ICT, and vocational facilities, providing a clear pathway for girls and young women who cannot continue in traditional educational settings to return to learning and achieve sustainable livelihoods.",
  "summary": "Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has launched a renewed effort to bring girls, who left school, back into classrooms, with a focus on teenage mothers",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "UBEC rehabilitates Lagos school for dropout girls",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/ubec-rehabilitates-lagos-school-for-dropout-girls",
        "published": "2026-08-16T00:38:26.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}