By MILLICENT IFEANYICHUKWU

Girls who dropped out of school because of pregnancy, financial constraints and other challenges have been urged to return to education.

Mrs Bola Adebonojo, Principal of First Alternative High School for Girls, made the call in an interview with NAN on Thursday.

Adebonojo described the school as an opportunity for girls to regain lost educational ground and rebuild their futures.

NAN reports that the school, established in 2007, is located on Old Ojo Road, Agboju, Amuwo, Lagos.

Its rehabilitation and upgrade were facilitated by Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and inaugurated on Aug. 14, 2026.

Adebonojo said the school had helped girls with limited educational foundations overcome challenges and eventually become professionals.

“We have former students who started from nowhere and could barely write, but today some are teachers, lawyers and professionals.

“This proves what education can achieve when girls are given the opportunity to learn, develop and pursue their aspirations,” she said.

She encouraged girls facing educational setbacks to enrol and benefit from the school’s academic and vocational programmes.

The principal said acquiring practical skills could provide students with livelihoods, financial independence and greater control over their futures.

“We want our girls to learn skills that can help them make small income, become financially independent and build their future.

“They should not have to depend on any man for survival,” Adebonojo said.

She disclosed that 17 students sat for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, recording an 85 per cent performance.

Adebonojo said the result demonstrated the girls’ ability to excel academically when provided with appropriate support and opportunities.

“The school operates the standard curriculum and prepares students for the Basic Education Certificate Examination and WASSCE

“Seventeen students sat for the 2026 WASSCE and we recorded 85 per cent performance.

“We want to build on this achievement and take our girls to a higher pedestal,” she added.

Adebonojo appreciated the Lagos State Government for funding maintenance and infrastructure at the school, urging authorities to sustain the support.

“We appreciate the Lagos State Government for providing funding for maintenance and infrastructure. We pray that this support will continue for the benefit of our girls,” she added.

Mr Remy Olukoya, the project consultant, said the rehabilitation had provided facilities supporting academic learning and practical skills development.

Olukoya said the project involved complete rehabilitation and upgrading of two blocks, alongside new vocational classrooms and laboratories.

“The project involved complete rehabilitation and upgrading of two blocks, providing vocational classrooms, laboratories and facilities.

“These facilities are designed to equip girls beyond the traditional classroom,” he said.

He listed cosmetology, sewing and home economics classrooms, alongside physics, biology and chemistry laboratories.

He noted that the facilities would broaden learning opportunities and enable students to combine academic education with practical skills.

“The school now has facilities for cosmetology, sewing and home economics, alongside physics, biology and chemistry laboratories.

“This gives the girls opportunities for practical and academic development,” Olukoya said.

He said the facility also included a crèche to enable young mothers to continue their education while their children received care.

“There is also a crèche where mothers can leave their children while attending classes.

“This makes it easier for young mothers to pursue education and acquire practical skills,” he said.

The consultant urged the school management to maintain the facilities properly to preserve the investment for future generations.

He stressed that a strong maintenance culture was essential to ensure the facilities remained functional and continued benefiting girls for years.

The initiative provides educational and vocational opportunities for girls whose schooling was disrupted by economic hardship, pregnancy and other circumstances. (NAN)