PHILANTHROPY, GOVERNMENT EFFORTS DRIVING DOWN OUT-OF-SCHOOL RATE IN ANAMBRA — COMMISSIONER OGUGUA - Anambra Ministry of Education

BY Obiageli Nwankwo

Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, has commended the founder of IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation (IGAHAF), Chief IG Aguowu, for providing scholarships to over 800 students across various levels of education.

Commissioner Ogugua gave the commendation at the 6th Annual IGAHAF Education Summit and induction of graduating beneficiaries into the IGAHAF Global Network of Alumni, held at Stanel Dome, Agu-Awka.

He said Aguowu’s scholarship intervention complements the Soludo Administration’s free education policy, the upgrading of 21 public schools into Smart Schools, and the recruitment of over 8,000 teachers to strengthen education across the state.

According to the Commissioner, the combined efforts of government and education-focused philanthropists are helping to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Anambra, contributing to the state’s position as having the lowest rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Ogugua urged more individuals, organisations and communities to support education through stronger public-private-community partnerships, stressing that the responsibility of developing the sector cannot be left to government alone.

He also called on Anambra people to give back to society and their alma mater, particularly by supporting schools in need of repairs and other interventions.

The event featured a keynote address by former Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, and was attended by prominent education stakeholders and dignitaries.