The Foundation, addressing the pressing issue of Nigeria’s 18.3 million out-of-school children, urged governments at all levels, as well as concerned citizens, to prioritize education to reduce the number of children out of school.
Olusola Ojo, the Project Coordinator of the Foundation, spoke to journalists in Libegu Village, where the NGO distributed school items to children from Kobape, Libegu, and Onipepeye communities in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.
Ojo highlighted that the Foundation's "Back-to-School" program is designed to keep school-age children in the classroom, thereby helping to address the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, as reported by UNICEF in May 2024.
The Jofunmi Loving Heart Foundation provided nearly 400 students with school bags, sandals, water bottles, and a range of stationery items, including exercise books, rulers, pencils, mathematical sets, food flasks, and food items, totaling several million Naira.
Explaining the motivation behind the program, Ojo noted the economic difficulties many families are facing. "We recognized the current economic hardship, and as a result, we decided to step in and support families in Ogun State," she said.
"We believe that our intervention in easing the school resumption needs of children will provide significant relief to parents. This initiative stems from our belief that the government alone cannot meet all the needs, so we decided to step in by providing basic school items necessary for a successful academic session."
Ojo expressed concern over the rising cost of school supplies, which has put them out of reach for many parents. She emphasized that the Foundation's goal is to ensure children see the value in education by making schools more attractive through the provision of these essential items.
However, Ojo lamented the state of education in Nigeria, criticizing successive governments for neglecting the sector. She called for urgent action to reverse this trend.
"It is unfortunate that those who benefited from free education in Nigeria are now the ones making it difficult for today’s children to access basic educational resources. They enjoyed free meals and quality education, but now they are in power and failing to provide the same opportunities," she stated.
Ojo urged the government and well-meaning citizens to invest in education by funding projects that rehabilitate school facilities and provide necessary resources like books and furniture.
"We are calling on the government to prioritize education. Enough of relegating it to the background. Proper funding for education is essential. The current economic hardship has forced some parents to withdraw their children from school, a situation our Foundation is trying to address."
She also encouraged parents not to give up on their children's education, stressing that every child deserves quality education. "An educated child has numerous opportunities. Limiting a child's education due to financial constraints restricts their future prospects. Parents should do their utmost to ensure their children receive the education they deserve, as it is the surest way to secure their future as leaders in this country."
