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From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Founder of Opeyemi David Falegan Foundation (ODF) Hon.Opeyemi David Falegan, has lamented that the education system in the country is plagued by poor infrastructure, noting that many public schools at the various levels lack basic facilities such as classrooms, desks, chairs, among others..
He therefore appealed to the federal and state governments to increase the budgetary allocation to the education sector to change the narrative.
Falegan made the appeal in Ado-Ekiti, capital of Ekiti State while distributing 5,200 free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to candidates drawn from across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state
According to him, “This has resulted in overcrowding, with some classrooms having up to 100 students per teacher.
“Also for years, Nigeria’s allocation to the education sector has been below the recommended benchmark for developing nations therefore I urge the government to do something about it by increasing it.”
He advised students who wish to continue their education beyond secondary school level to study courses that are economically relevant because some courses are already outdated and not economically relevant to modern day progress.
Falegan who sponsored the free JAMB forms distribution said the” Education Support Programme/ Scheme ” is to support parents and students in the state, noting the rationale behind the exercise is to encourage Ekiti youth and many brilliant students from poor homes or backgrounds who may wish to further their education to a higher level, but could not do so because their parents could not afford the fees.
“There are also orphans who have lost their parents without having anyone to cater for them educationally.
” A total number of 5,200 students were given and registered for this free jamb exercise from all Local Government Areas of the state.”
The Founder, who hinted that the empowerment programme has gulped up millions of naira disclosed that his team went round all the local government areas of the state for enlightenment, screening of students who are qualified.
Parents and students, who spoke with newsmen, were full of appreciation to the philanthropist, describing him as a true son of Ekiti.
One of the parents, Abdus-Salam Ojo Bello commended the uncommon gesture of Falegan showering encomiums on him.
Abdus-Salam urged more Ekiti indigenes to emulate his good gestures.
Earlier, one of the beneficiaries , Miss Ajayi Titilayo Precious, thanked ODF for his humanitarian services to the good people of Ekiti. She prayed that the lord will grant his heart desires.
Meanwhile, the distribution of the free jamb forms is not his only area of philanthropy as Falegan recently settled the medical bills of indigent patients in some hospitals and empowered market women and traders in the state
Recently too, he gave motorists and commercial motorcyclists free fuel and promised to do more soon.
Falegan.popularly called ” Oko Arugbo” translated to mean husband of the widows has been supporting the widows in the state from time to time
