‘We Are Equal’ — Remi Tinubu launches campaign to promote inclusive education

Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, has launched the ‘We Are Equal Campaign’ to advocate gender equity through inclusive education in Nigeria.

The first lady launched the initiative in Abuja on Monday when she hosted some first ladies across the African continent at the State House Banquet Hall.

She said the initiative, led by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAND), will last for one year.

The first lady raised concern over the rate of school dropout among girls and primary school pupils in Nigeria.

She said the campaign would focus on education as a tool to promote gender equity, adding that establishing an alternative high school for girls would advance the course.

“Today, I am delighted to join the league of all my esteemed sisters, who have championed the Organization of African First Ladies for Development’s (OAFLAD) #WeAreEqual campaign in their respective countries,” Oluremi said.

“It is an honour to welcome you to Nigeria, especially for those who have never been here before. Your efforts in leading this important initiative are truly commendable and reflect our shared commitment to equity and empowerment.

“The #WeAreEqual campaign is a year-long, continent-wide initiative led by OAFLAD. This significant campaign unites African first ladies, partners, and allies in our collective effort to advance gender equity and bridge the gender gap throughout the continent.

“The campaign is focused on four main pillars, namely, health, gender-based violence, education, and economic empowerment, to rally stakeholders and call for action around each of these key issues.

“To promote the #WeAreEqual campaign in Nigeria, I have decided to use education as a tool while also not neglecting other pillars of the campaign, many of which are also being championed under the scope of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which is led by my office to complement the efforts of the administration of Mr. President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

She said establishing an alternative high school for girls would address the issue of dropout due to early pregnancy, financial difficulty, and cultural impediments, among others.

She said data from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) shows that out of over 3.9 million primary six pupils across Nigeria in 2021, only 1.6 million attended junior secondary school in 2022.

“My motivation for the establishment of this school as an educationist and lifelong teacher stems from the desire to see young girls and women who dropped out of school due to several challenges, including early pregnancies, cultural and financial reasons, and many more, have a second chance to complete high school, acquire a higher education, and acquire valuable life skills to enable them to reach their full potential in life,” she said.

“The alarming rate of school dropouts among girls is a stark reminder of the need for alternative solutions in their educational pursuits.

“The consequences of this challenge are profound, affecting not only their individual lives but also having attendant socio-economic implications for our nation.”