Lagos: In a bold endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s educational blueprint, Lagos lawmaker Temitope Adewale has thrown his weight behind the administration’s ambitious goal of achieving nationwide literacy by 2031.
“By 2031, Nigeria will have achieved full literacy nationwide,” Adewale said during the screening for the distribution of his free GCE forms to prospective candidates on Saturday.
Adewale, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, said investment in education remained key to solving many national challenges.
He commended the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at reducing out-of-school children in both northern and southern Nigeria.
The lawmaker said the initiatives sought to remove youths from the streets and engage them in meaningful ventures, including education.
According to him, since the Tinubu administration introduced the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), more Nigerians are seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
He added that the administration, in partnership with UBEC, had built and revitalised many Almajiri schools in the north to reduce out-of-school children.
Adewale said the administration had also established the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE).
The Chairman, House Committee on Transport, said: “Mr President is doing everything possible to boost education in the country.
“Given the current trajectory, by 2031 Nigeria will have a 100 per cent literacy rate, while also resolving the out-of-school children challenge.
“These initiatives show the government’s strong commitment to youth development.
“With such programmes, Nigerians will one day look back and thank God for this opportunity.”
Adewale noted that by April 2025, NELFUND had received over 500,000 student loan applications nationwide.
He described the figure as encouraging, saying it would help the government with future planning.
“It is also heartening that state governments continue to support the Federal Government’s educational initiatives,” he said.
The lawmaker recalled that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently attended the graduation of 5,300 residents from the Lagos Skill Acquisition Programmes, alongside other educational interventions.
Speaking on the free GCE forms, Adewale said education remained a priority in serving his constituents.
“We are giving 400 forms this year. We also distribute JAMB forms, knowing education is the strongest tool to change lives and shape the future.”
He added that the Adewale Temitope Educational Initiatives (ATA-EI) had so far given over 8,000 free GCE and JAMB forms, with 120 students on scholarships.
“This programme is part of my promise to ensure no student misses opportunities due to financial constraints.
“Our goal is to make Ifako-Ijaiye the most educated local government in Nigeria by 2031,” he added.