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From Vivian Onyebukwa
An educationist, Barbara Fadipe, has called on the federal government to always implement its education policies.
Fadipe, the directress of Pinefield Schools, Lekki, Lagos, made this call as the school marked its 25 years of existence.
She expressed dismay at the situation where sometimes the government comes with good policies but they are not fully implemented.
She said: “That is one thing that is very discouraging with this government. I believe they should have a calendar for monitoring. There is very little monitoring so you find a lot of people just doing whatever they like in education, and that is not good for our country and children because we need to raise good, educated children.”
Fadipe further stated that, if given the opportunity, one thing she would do is not necessarily to change the policies but to ensure that the rules are followed to the fullest.
She gave the instance with the age limit policy for admission into secondary school and university by the government, saying: “People are just doing what they want. Here, we assess all our children that come in because that is where we start from. If you fail, we are not going to accept you.
“We are not desperately looking for children. Yes, we like more children to educate, nurture but we, the educators, need to do everything within our powers to ensure that we raise godly children.
“We also need to look at the way of dressing, the way they speak, and mannerism. A lot of things are wrong and I see it in the society. Parents also need to get involved. Many things if we want to get a better future, need to be put in place in education.”
Looking back on the 25 years of Pinefield Schools, she expressed gratitude for the sacrifices and challenges they have faced on the journey as each challenge has been used to improve the school’s services to the parents, children, and staff.
She however resolved to continue to use the best 21st century technology and resources, vocational skills, including leadership skills with the fear of God to enable the children rise and shine as they release them into the market to serve their creator.
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“It’s been 25 years of giant stride, churning out leaders of tomorrow. A journey of 25 years, but it looks as if it was just yesterday, but honestly it has been 25 years of fantastic journey.
“Despite everything, all the ups and downs of the society of life, I have been blessed by the grace of God. Every journey, every day, every step has been nothing but the faithfulness of God. He has been the solid rocks and I enjoy what I do. My children has been wonderful. Every child that has stepped into this school, God Almighty has affected them positively.”
She recalled the dream she had 35 years ago about establishing a school, thanking God for the vision. “God Almighty supported us. He has blessed me. It has been 25 years of a good journey and I am glad and happy that I was able to discover the path that God had already lined up for me”.
Also speaking at the occasion, the former deputy governor of Lagos State, Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu, who was special guest of honour at the event, stated that 25 years of Pinefield Schools has been victory over Nigeria’s situations.
“That Pinefield is still standing and going strong is a survival of all the intrigues that Naija can throw at any institution, but we thank God today,” she said.
She described Pinefield as a vision that God meant for Fadipe, whom she referred to as her niece.
Going back memory lane, Ojikutu recalled that Pinefield Schools started as El-Zion before it was changed to Pinefield in 2004.
“She was very adamant that it should be a specialist school that actually help those children that are believed are difficult to teach, and she has succeeded. Those who are gifted are also here and is till going strong. Many Nigerians don’t know of the school because she does not believe in cheap publicity. So I am hoping that with this 25 years now more people will come to the school.”
The event kick-started with a walk to celebrate God’s goodness. The church service and the programme took place at the school hall located within the school premises, with Evang Gboyega Shitta, Pastor Peter Yakubu, and Rev. Niyi Animashaun as guest ministers.
Chairman of the occasion was Gbade Alabi, CEO, CBC Emea Ltd, while other Special Guests of Honour included Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, Former Governor of Ekiti State, who later became the Federal Minister of Trade and Investment, and Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu, Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, among others.
The guest speaker was Dr Oluwabusayo Fagbo, founder, Mindbulb Healthcare Services Ltd, and Mindbulb Healthcare Foundation.
There was an arts exhibition by the students. Proceeds, Fadipe said, will be used for charity.
