A Nigerian-German entrepreneur, Georgia Oviesu, has launched a tuition-free school, The Bennie Griffins Academy (BGA), in Adiyan, Ogun State. The school, which was unveiled on Thursday, aims to provide quality education to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Oviesu, also known as “Gia Réi”, is an 18-year-old recording artiste who decided to establish the school after observing the difficulties faced by children in the community. Many children in the area sell food and other items on the streets instead of being in school.
The Bennie Griffins Academy has already enrolled about 50 children, who receive free tuition, food, uniforms, and socks, among other provisions. Oviesu said she decided to provide these basic needs to ensure that the children feel comfortable expressing their views and challenging ideas without fear. She believes that such an environment can help children develop the confidence and critical thinking required to become future leaders. The initiative is aimed at closing the gap in access to quality education for Nigerian children whose families cannot afford it.
Oviesu noted that the initiative shouldn’t be seen simply as charity, but rather as a way to help the community and Nigeria as a whole gain access to children who can make an impact. She said she realised that the average Nigerian child doesn’t have access to high-quality education, and she wanted to close that gap. The school’s curriculum includes subjects such as English and Yoruba, which are favourites among some of the pupils.
Ten-year-old Qabiya, a Year 1 pupil, said she was happy to attend the school and identified English and Yoruba as her favourite subjects. When asked what she wanted to become in the future, she said, “I hoped to become a medical doctor in the future”. Another pupil, 11-year-old Bamise Elion, who is in Junior Secondary School 2, said he appreciated the opportunity to receive free education and hopes to become a surgeon.
The official launch of the academy follows an earlier announcement of the school’s conception to provide children from disadvantaged backgrounds with opportunities to develop academically and discover their talents. Oviesu said she wanted to foster an environment where children are not scared to say their opinion and can develop critical thinking. She believes that this can help children become future leaders.
The founder now plans to expand the initiative beyond Ogun State, with the long-term goal of establishing such a school in every state of the federation. Oviesu said she was motivated to start the school because she realised that privilege isn’t just what you have, but what you’re able to change with what you have. She said she hopes to make a positive impact on the community and Nigeria as a whole.
The Bennie Griffins Academy is a significant development in the education sector, particularly in Ogun State. The school’s focus on providing quality education to children from disadvantaged backgrounds is expected to have a positive impact on the community. With plans to expand beyond Ogun State, the initiative has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of many Nigerian children.
Key points
- The school provides free tuition, food, uniforms, and socks to its pupils.
- The founder plans to expand the initiative beyond Ogun State.
- The school aims to provide quality education to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
