As Board Partners with Religious Leaders and Faith-based Organisations 

By: Temitope OYEKAN 

In a bid to increase students' enrolment in public primary and secondary schools, reduce the number of Out-of-School children, as well as lower illiteracy rates among the people, the Iperu Remo Education Trust Scheme Management Board has embarked on advocacy visits and sensitization campaigns to religious leaders and places of worship.

The board had visited churches and mosques to sensitize religious leaders and their congregations on the importance of education and to seek their support for the board's programmes and activities. 

The visit was flagged off with the board's attendance at the Christmas Service held at St. James' Anglican Church, Iperu, followed by its presence at the jumat service held at Iperu Central Mosque on Friday, 3rd January 2025, and the mass at St. John's  Catholic Church, Iperu Remo, on Sunday, 5th January, 2025.

It will be recalled that the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo ABIODUN, CON, having listened to the presentation of the board Chairman, Mofopefoluwa JOSEPH, FRM, at the Christmas Service, gave a commendation to him for his transparent leadership, just as he commended the board for its laudable intervention in the education sector, and pledged to offer a personal support towards its programmes.

This innovative approach of the board recognizes the significant influence that religious leaders wield within their communities. By partnering with these leaders and organisations, the education board aims to leverage their authority and reach to promote a culture of education and learning.

Its effort will in the long run help in promoting access to education for the children who have hitherto been deprived of such opportunity, and thereby reducing the number of Out-of-School children which figure stands at an alarming 18.3million, according to UNICEF. 

During these visits, the education board members engage in robust and meaningful interactive discussions with religious leaders and their congregations, highlighting the importance and benefits of education and the challenges faced by Out-of-School children. They also provide information on the resources available to support students, including scholarships, educational materials, and counselling services.

The response from the religious communities and faith-based organisations has been overwhelmingly positive. Many religious leaders have pledged their support, promising to use their platforms to promote education and encourage parents to enrol their children in school.

At the Iperu Central Mosque, some ummahs praised the board's initiative as they describe Education as the key to unlocking the potential of the children, while promising to support the noble cause embarked upon by the board. 

Similarly, the Christian communities have expressed their commitment to the partnership as they equally pledged to ensure that their children receive a quality education. "We will work closely with the education board to make this vision a reality."echoed, the parishioners.

The education board's efforts have also resonated with traditional worshippers who have equally keyed-in into the board's vision.

The board Chairman, Mofopefoluwa JOSEPH, FRM, in his address to the traditional religion adherents at the last Isese Day Celebration held in August 2024, emphasized the importance of education in preserving the community's cultural heritage. "Our children must learn to read and write so that they can document our history and traditions," he said.

As the education board continues its outreach programme, there is a growing sense of optimism within the community. With the support of religious leaders, faith-based organisations, and all stakeholders, the board is confident of actualising its plans and achieving its goals while creating a brighter future for the children.

By harnessing the power of faith and community, the education board is pioneering a new approach to promoting education and reducing illiteracy. As the initiative gains momentum, it is clear that this partnership will have a lasting impact on the community, empowering children to reach their full potential and build a better tomorrow.

To this end, it has launched an endowment fund with the aim of raising the sum of #100,000,000.00 (one hundred million naira) only in the 2025 fiscal year. While the sum of #60,000,000.00 (sixty million naira) out of the projected fund shall be spent on the board's budget for the year, the sum of #40,000,000.00 shall be reserved as the endowment fund. 

Among others, the board intends to execute the following projects and programmes in the ensuing year;

1. Create an enabling environment for teaching and learning by supporting the implementation of education facilities and infrastructures in Iperu.

2. Promoting access to quality education through awards of scholarships and grants to indigent 

        students.

3. Organizing programmes, workshops, and seminars for teachers, students, and parents.

4. Collaborating with schools in implementing projects and programmes that align with the educational needs of the community. 

5. Establishing partnership with and securing funding from donor agencies and development partners.

6. Promote community engagement and  involvement in education initiatives by encouraging parents and stakeholders to play an active role in their children's education 

To support the board, donations can be sent into its account below;

0284987989

WEMA BANK

IPERU REMO EDUCATION TRUST SCHEME MANAGEMENT BOARD 

Enquiries are to be directed to the following numbers;

08033030914

07032318947