By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The Jeremiah and Felicia Aderoju Foundation (JFA) has criticized the Lagos State government’s decision to increase public school boarding fees from N35,000 to N100,000 per term, citing the current economic hardship. According to JFA, this move will render many homes unable to afford the new fee.
JFA Director and Coordinator, Jacob Akintola, warned that without assistance, many young students may venture into fraud or become miscreants. Akintola spoke at a one-day workshop on technical training, skill acquisition, and donation of 60-leaf notebooks to senior secondary school students at Education District V in Lagos.
“This is not something that is supposed to be done at this time, but here is where we find ourselves in the country. We have a lot of people that are so rich. If they can just imbibe this kind of thing that we are doing, this will encourage even the students,” Akintola said.
JFA organized the workshop to emphasize the importance of vocational skills training alongside formal education. Akintola explained, “We are committed to addressing developmental deficits among the less privileged in society.”
The foundation has been providing vital support and resources to those in need. Akintola added, “Even in the olden days, you had to acquire certain skills immediately after you finished your elementary school, secondary school, or high school. For you to seek job opportunities, if you have acquired a skill, you can be able to embark on the job.”
Akintola highlighted the practical aspects of the program, saying, “Some of the students will see a robot and may not know the practical aspect. And they may fall in love with it. But, if the student is able to have the practical aspect, they can do something with it. We are teaching them how to disassemble a bicycle and reassemble. That is practical. Assembling a computer, the laptop, is a practical knowledge that they can also acquire.”
JFA Founder, Elizabeth Olagunju, addressed the participants through a recorded video, describing Lagos as a melting pot where people from all nations aspire to live. Olagunju urged education commissioners to integrate industry into the classroom, ensuring JFA’s readiness to partner with schools.
Abiola Erelu, CEO of Chicago Ventures, Lagos, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing entrepreneurship. Erelu advised, “Being an entrepreneur is valuable, but don’t start a business just to make money. Focus on solving people’s problems, and the financial rewards will come as a result. Students should not solely aim for white-collar jobs. Instead, consider becoming job creators.”
Deputy Director of the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Toyin Alabi, expressed gratitude to JFA for empowering Lagos students. Alabi reminded students that education encompasses social skills and practical applications beyond academics, saying, “Remember that your interactions with others and how you are perceived are integral parts of education. Education involves not only what you learn but also what you can do with your hands.”
