By Naomi Sharang

Pastor Olajumoke Raji, Head Teacher of Pesach International Academy, Kubwa, Abuja, has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to address the growing issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Raji made the call during the school’s 2025 Nursery Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony, held on Saturday at the school’s premises.

Reflecting on the school’s progress since its establishment in 2018, Raji stated that the academy had successfully graduated two sets of pupils from its Nursery section and was working toward expanding its Primary education offering.

“Although we have not yet graduated students from Grade Six, this marks our second graduation from Nursery Two into the primary section.

“It’s a moment of joy to see our second set move forward,” she said.

Raji attributed the rising number of out-of-school children to several factors, including financial hardship and lack of awareness among parents about the value of education.

“Some parents simply don’t realise the long-term benefits of education, often because they themselves never had the opportunity to be educated,” she said.

She emphasised that education was a powerful tool that can transform lives and uplift communities.

She said, “Education is the key—it is life itself. When you give a child education, you give them a future. Without it, many children will struggle to become anything in life.”

Raji also highlighted that the academy was a non-profit institution operated with the support of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement, Church, Daki-biyu District (Peculiar People) Kubwa, Abuja.

“Our tuition is free for children of church members, and there’s a 50 per cent subsidy for non-members.

“The aim is to ensure that no child is left behind due to lack of funds,” she said.

Raji also commended the school’s board members for their continued support.

Also speaking at the event, a member of the board, Prophet Ejalonibu Lawrence, stated that financial barriers remained a major challenge for many families.

“This problem is not unique to Nigeria. All over the world, many poor families cannot afford to send their children to school.

“That’s why our board has made it a priority to subsidise tuition and provide nearly free education to all.

“Children are the future—we must invest in them now,” he said.

Mrs Faith Olakunle, a teacher and the school’s Welfare Officer, expressed gratitude for the successful end of another academic session and commended her colleagues for their dedication.

She said, “Teaching is a demanding job, especially without adequate teaching materials.

“But when you have passion, the drive keeps you going. I believe the reward for teachers starts here, not just in heaven. Intentional teaching always yields results.”

Representing the parents of the graduating pupils, Mrs Salome Sarki described the event as a collective achievement and expressed appreciation to the school management.

“The success of today’s event is a win for all of us.

“We are especially thankful to the school for making education accessible by keeping tuition costs low,” she said. (NAN) 

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani