Former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has proposed the creation of an effective volunteer system that would allow individuals to offer free tutorial services to children in basic and secondary schools. This initiative, he believes, could extend beyond these levels of education. Okorocha also backed the increased use of mother-tongue languages in schools, emphasizing that it enhances children’s understanding and has proven to be more effective.
Okorocha made these suggestions during an event organized by the Rochas Foundation to celebrate the International Day of the Girl-Child in Abuja. He highlighted the dire situation in Nigeria, where records show that over 13 million children are out of school, 70 percent of whom are girls. According to him, educational opportunities are key to human capital development and empowerment.
“To this end, Rochas Foundation has been dedicated to improving the education and empowerment of Nigerian and African children. We currently provide quality education to thousands of students from 22 African countries at Rochas Foundation College of Africa. Over 40,000 students have passed through our schools—an achievement that contributes to liberation and empowerment,” Okorocha said.
He also stressed that government alone cannot solve the education crisis due to competing priorities and limited resources. “It should be a collective effort, and volunteerism is the way forward. Wealthy individuals should contribute their resources, and housewives and NYSC members should also be mobilized to help educate children. Education is a right, not a privilege,” he added.
Okorocha reiterated the importance of using local languages in schools, arguing that fluency in English should not be the sole measure of intelligence.
Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma, who was also present, praised the Rochas Foundation for its efforts to unify Africa through education and women empowerment. He encouraged students to take advantage of the educational opportunities provided and to use them to drive positive change across the continent.
Koroma noted, “There are students from 22 African countries in the school. It’s a unique platform for networking and learning. As you celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, challenge yourselves to become agents of positive change in Africa.”
Uchechi Rochas, Director General of the Rochas Foundation, also underscored the importance of celebrating the International Day of the Girl-Child. She affirmed the Foundation’s commitment to championing initiatives that empower women and amplify their voices in society.
