CSR champion seeks support to educate out-of-school children across Nigeria
An education expert, Dr Victor Basola, is reaching out to government and stakeholders for collaborations to expand the impact of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative dedicated to providing free education to out-of-school children in society.
“Free education was introduced to Nigeria by Obafemi Awolowo in Western Nigeria in the year 1955 and it provides opportunities for all individuals regardless of their socio-economic class,” remarked Basola during a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.
Basola, also the founder of Kingston Nursery and Primary School, Ogun State, currently provides free nursery and primary education to about 60 pupils in Akute-Ajuwon axis of Ogun State. The initiative aims to offer quality education to children in underserved communities, contributing to socioeconomic development.
“I, Dr Victor Basola ensures that our Degree holding teachers are paid a salary of N50,000 which is far above what is obtainable within and around the community,” stated Basola, emphasizing the commitment to well-compensated teachers.
In Nigeria, about 10.5 million children aged 5-14 years and about 58.4 million children of the world’s 787 million children of primary school age do not go to school due to poverty, as noted by Basola. “Hence, a need for a place like Kingston Nursery and Primary school, an absolutely free school here in Akute, Ogun State.”
Basola highlighted the cost of running the initiative, stating, “The cost of running such an initiative is about six million naira per term and N18 million monthly, hence the need for support.”
He added, “Our nature as Nigerians must begin to tilt towards valuing education, and the Country’s reward system must place more value on education.”
The school founder applauded partners who have supported the vision and stressed the need for continued efforts to address challenges faced in running the school.
“There would be about a 90 per cent increase in the number of children in school if there is free education for students. No child is dull if the right educational system is invested in that child,” emphasized Basola, advocating for organizations to sponsor education as the bedrock of the future.
Basola called on government, multinationals, religious bodies, elites, and corporate organizations to support the initiative. Opportunities for partnership exist in finance, sponsorship, meals, stationeries, rent, among other needs.
In response, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ogun State, expressed appreciation for the impactful initiative, highlighting the school’s comprehensive approach to education.
“The students of Kingston Nursery and Primary School Akute are also taught the French Language, Chinese Language, Computer, coupled with several personal development and skill acquisition courses in order to wake up their entrepreneurial abilities and broaden their minds,” shared the Commissioner.
