By Oluwole Ige, Osogbo

Osun State Government, on Sunday, restated its commitment to the timely commencement of academic activities at the Alternative High School for Girls, Osogbo, assuring that the institution will begin operations in the coming academic session.

The school, inaugurated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on December 13, 2024, is a flagship initiative aimed at empowering the girl-child by providing access to quality education and vocational training, especially for those who have been sidelined by socio-economic challenges.

Speaking on the state’s preparations, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Kolapo Alimi, in a statement, disclosed that necessary arrangements have been concluded for the commencement of the school.

Alimi explained that “top officials of the Ministry of Education recently held a strategic meeting with the First Lady of the State. Present at the meeting were myself, the Commissioner for Education, the Executive Secretary of the Senior Secondary Education Board, and a member of the SUBEB board. The purpose was to fine-tune plans for the school’s take-off in the next academic session.”

“The meeting also deliberated on the secondment of teachers to the school and outlined specific vocational skills to be taught alongside conventional subjects. These include event planning, Ofi weaving, Adire (tie and dye), hairdressing, and other entrepreneurial skills designed to make the girl child self-reliant.”

Alimi emphasised the broader significance of the initiative, saying: “The Alternative High School for Girls represents a commitment to inclusive and transformative education.

“We are not just building a school; we are building futures. Every girl who walks through its gates will have the opportunity to rewrite her story.”