By Henry Uche
Founder, Kingston Nursery and Primary School, Akute-Ajuwon, Ogun State Victor Basola, has given free uniforms, textbooks, food and free medical services 60 pupils of the school.
He said: “We have been able to look inward and trust God for opportunities to create businesses that can help to sustain the provisions. Some of the partners have been consistent and some have not.
“You never can tell what would have happened. On our own, we do business and we have been contributing for the sustainability of the school.
“We have plans to sponsor children from Kingston School. If a child finishes up from the school, we will keep paying the fees until higher institutions. We hope to have a complete school from nursery to university where the children will finish up.
“In a case where the child is not brilliant, there is a provision for such child, like a pre-class that he or she undergoes for few months then write exams to test his or her ability.
“We would be accommodating children with special needs by August. All children no matter where they live have the right to quality education.
“Education is the key to personal growth and progress. But the cost could often be a significant impediment to assessing knowledge and opportunities.”
He commended Chief Obafemi Awolowo for introducing free education in the old Western Region: “Kingston school initiative came out of my experience as a child.
“Then I didn’t know what it’s called ‘out-of-school.’ I was chased out from school because of school fees. Then they would flog you and still send you home. I know what it means to be out of school. The pain did not leave me. So, I said, no child deserves to go through this.
“We didn’t think of making it absolutely free. We were looking at giving scholarships. But, God intervened and we made it absolutely free. Kingston Nursery and Primary School started in September 8, 2021. We had just 35 pupils then, but, now we have 60 pupils.”
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Adijat Adeleye pledged commitment to support the initiative. She was represented by Mrs. Adebisi Ojo, who called for support to provide quality education for out-of-school children.