Follow Us on Google
Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe has unveiled the Indigenous People of Abuja Democratic Development Agenda (IPADDA) Initiative under the SkoolMeIRETI programme.
The initiative is part of programmes to celebrate the sixth International Day of Education.
According to the, the SkoolMeIRETI will provide post-secondary school education scholarships to indigenous students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aligning with the global theme of “Learning for Lasting Peace.”
The initiative will also empower about 62,000 educated people to transform Nigeria to promote lifelong learning opportunities.
The IPADDA Initiative, backed by Sustainable Investments & Partnerships for Abuja Development (SIPAD), aims to address the educational challenges faced by indigenous communities.
The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) highlights the persistent disparities in education levels between indigenous and non-indigenous populations in Africa, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions.
As part of the broader Indigenous People of Abuja Scholarship Scheme for Educational Development (‘I PASSED with IRETI’), the IPADDA Initiative seeks to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) by providing scholarships for post-secondary education.
Senator Ireti Kingibe envisions empowering over 500 indigenous people annually through a strategic Scholarship Trust for Educational Development.
The scholarships will be accessible to all FCT indigenous students scoring above 200 in the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations each year. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to education opportunities for indigenous communities, contributing to inclusive progress on a global scale.
The IPADDA Initiative’s launch underscores the proactive approach towards conflict prevention and the promotion of enduring peace through transformative and inclusive education. Senator Ireti Kingibe’s commitment to indigenous education aligns with the National Policy on Inclusive Education in Nigeria, emphasizing the creation of just, inclusive, and peaceful societies.
The SkoolMeIRETI programme encourages stakeholders and potential scholarship recipients to actively engage in this transformative journey.
