Abuja: The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, alongside education advocates, has raised an urgent call for enhanced support for children in underserved Nigerian communities. This plea was made during a recent interview conducted on the sidelines of the Not Forgotten Initiative (NFI) School’s graduation ceremony.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NFI School, which has been providing free education, uniforms, and meals to impoverished children since its inception in 2018, is now facing an impending eviction. The school, which began on a modest plot of land in Asokoro with just 14 pupils, has expanded to accommodate 128 pupils with facilities that include classrooms, a library, and a computer lab. Despite this progress, the landowner has issued a quit notice, leaving the school’s future and the children’s education uncertain.
Ambassador Westerholm emphasized the remarkable achievements of the school and voiced her concern over the eviction notice. She called on government entities, donor agenci
es, and private organizations to help the school secure a new location. “It is devastating to learn that the school is being evicted in four days. This school, built by the parents and teachers, represents the hopes and dreams of these children,” Westerholm stated, urging stakeholders to offer support.
Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, Vice Chancellor of Baze University, also highlighted the significance of the children’s education, noting the emotional impact of their performances at the ceremony. Adeniyi stressed the importance of supporting initiatives like NFI School to ensure they are not hindered by infrastructure challenges. He suggested that while the government might not need to take over the school, it should find ways to provide support.
The founder of NFI School, Mrs. Oluwatosin Adeniyi, explained that the initiative was established to provide quality education to children who might otherwise be denied such opportunities due to poverty. The school not only serves its current pupils but also supports ad
ditional students in other institutions through scholarships. Despite the looming relocation, Adeniyi assured that the initiative’s mission would remain steadfast.
The graduating pupils, represented by Abdullahi Musa, expressed gratitude for the school’s impact, describing it as a home for children who might not otherwise access quality education. Parent Ms. Faith Bulus appealed to the authorities to intervene, emphasizing that the eviction would adversely affect both children and their families who depend on the school.
The call for intervention is a critical appeal to ensure that the educational aspirations of these children are supported and sustained.