Kaduna: Some graduates of Kadwell International School, Kaduna, have called for collective action for out-of-school children’s education in Nigeria.
They made the call during the third Graduation and Presentation of Awards in celebration of the 2025 Set, tagged ‘The Class of Truth’ in Kaduna.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) recently revealed that about 18.3 million children are currently out of school in Nigeria.
According to the fund, the North accounts for the highest number due to poverty, insecurity, conflicts, and socio-cultural norms, among others.
The Headboy of the 2025 set, Mr Sudais Bashir, said that education was every child’s right and the key to a better future, yet millions of children were not in school.
He said, “I wish every child in Nigeria could enjoy the kind of education my mates and I have had.
“I urge the government at all levels to provide free, quality education, build more schools, and support families in need; that way, more children will have access to education.”
Bashir appreciated Kadwell Schools for shaping the students both academically and morally, just as he extolled the dedication of the staff, adding that it made a big difference.
“To our parents, thank you for your love, sacrifices, and support, and to my fellow students, let’s keep pushing forward and always represent the values we have learned here,” he said
According to the Headgirl of the set, Miss Sarah Madu, every Nigerian child deserves an opportunity to shine in school.
Madu, therefore, called on the government to leverage new technology to make education available to all children.
She said, “You need education to grow and develop. That is why I appreciate my school and my parents for their support in my education.”
Miss Perida Darby, a graduand, expressed concern that despite the importance of education, millions of children lacked access to it and urged urgent action to address this issue.
“I am calling on the government and well-meaning Nigerians to assist these children to go to school.
” This can be done through increased budget for education and by implementing the Child’s Rights Act,” she said
Darby expressed gratitude to Kadwell International Schools, Kaduna, for the knowledge, skills, and values instilled in them and for nurturing their growth.
She said,” To my parents, your unwavering support means the world to me, and I am proud to make you proud. And my fellow students, let us stay connected and make a positive impact in our communities.”
Another student, Miss Mary-Ashley Okum, appealed to the government to raise awareness and implement programs on the dangers and effects of dropping out of school, and to provide support for more children to attend school.
She said, “I wish for a place where students can come together, whether rich or poor, to learn together and try to find ways of improving society to be where people can voice out their opinions without fear.”
Okum expressed gratitude to her school and parents for their support, urging her mates not to give up on their journey, but to work hard so they can look back and laugh without any regrets.
On her part, Miss Hadara Dauda called on governments at all levels to prioritise education funding, outreach programmes, and community engagement to take out-of-school children back to the classroom.
She said, “My wish is for every child to have access to education, empowering them for a brighter future.”
Dauda commended the school for the foundation of education laid for her and thanked her parents for their blessings and unwavering support.
According to Miss Charis Ibrahim, when children have access to education, it keeps them away from violence and other challenges..
Ibrahim said, “I wish they would have an opportunity to go to school like me; so I appeal to the government to provide the basic amenities to make public schools look like private schools.”
She thanked the school, her parents, and fellow students for their contribution to her life, adding, “I thank my mates for the memories that we have made.”
The Principal of the school, Mrs Princess Ojutawo, commended the students for their resilience, growth, and numerous accomplishments and victories, which prompted the celebration to honour the 2025 set.
“I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude to stand before you to celebrate the graduates who preferred to be called the class of truth.
“I rely on you to continue making the right decisions that will empower you and add value to your life and the lives of others. You are the change Nigeria still has to bring.
“I wish you all good luck and success in all you do,” she prayed.