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NIGERIA’S EDUCATION CRISIS: 50% STUDENTS STRUGGLE WITH SCHOOL FEES PAYMENT AS FAMILIES RESORT TO DADALOWA BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

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NIGERIA’S EDUCATION CRISIS: 50% STUDENTS STRUGGLE WITH SCHOOL FEES PAYMENT AS FAMILIES RESORT TO DADALOWA

BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

 

In a country grappling with one of the highest rates of out-of-school children globally, innovative solutions like Dadalowa are providing a lifeline to families and schools. Founded by Segun Jerome, a visionary entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience across the banking, media, education, and technology sectors, Dadalowa is revolutionizing education financing in Nigeria. This edfintech platform is transforming how school fees are paid, offering flexible models that ease the burden on parents while supporting schools’ financial stability. Starting as a small initiative involving just five schools, Dadalowa has expanded rapidly, reaching 120 schools in key Nigerian cities within just two terms.

School Fees for Primary and Secondary Schools: A Growing Challenge

The cost of education remains a significant barrier for millions of Nigerian families. Sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria at the forefront, leads the world in education exclusion. Reports from the World Bank and UNESCO reveal staggering statistics: 20% of primary-aged children are out of school, and 60% of those aged 15-17 are not attending secondary school. The primary culprit? High school fees and rigid lump-sum payment models that fail to accommodate the financial realities of low-income families.

According to Segun Jerome, ‘UNESCO gave the value of out-of-school children to be 20 million in this region. The lost value is about $6 billion every year. There are about 166,000 registered primary and secondary schools in Nigeria, with over 50 million kids according to the Federal Ministry of Education report 2021.’

Dadalowa’s solution addresses this gap head-on by introducing micro-payment systems that allow parents to pay in smaller, manageable amounts, significantly reducing dropout rates and keeping children in school.

Over 20 Million Out-of-School Children: How High School Fees Are Widening Nigeria’s Education Gap

Nigeria’s education crisis is stark, with about 166,000 registered primary and secondary schools across the country, over 20 million children are out of school and a dropout rate of approximately 20%. The financial implications are just as dire, with annual losses estimated at $6 billion. Dadalowa’s flexible payment model is a game-changer. Parents can contribute to virtual wallets linked to their child’s school, enabling staggered payments without defaulting. This pooled fund system ensures schools receive their money upfront, eliminating the need for high-interest loans that often cripple their budgets.

By targeting the root causes of school fees challenges, Dadalowa is narrowing the education gap, one family at a time.

Nigeria’s Education Crisis: 50% of Students Face School Fee Challenges – Here’s How Some Families Cope

For many Nigerian families, paying school fees is a seasonal struggle. Data from the Federal Ministry of Education highlights that up to half of all students face financial obstacles to continuing their education. With most schools requiring fees upfront, parents with irregular income streams often resort to desperate measures, including taking personal loans or delaying payments until examination periods.

Dadalowa’s micro-payment system offers a sustainable alternative. “We provide micropayment solutions for parents who can’t pay their children’s school fees in lump sums. It is a social trust system that uses thrift to unlock credit access. Parents pool school fees by installments into virtual wallets that Dadalowa creates for them with a partner bank and schools get paid lump sums from this pool.” Segun stated. Through partnerships with banks, the program ensures schools maintain steady cash flow while parents pay fees gradually. This innovative approach has already assisted 800 families and funded the education of 1,300 children, proving its effectiveness in alleviating financial stress. “Since we opened last year, we have helped 800 families into the trust system. School fees of about 1,300 kids have been paid through Dadalowa to about 120 schools in Sango-Otta, Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, and Ibadan.” Segun Added.

Struggling to Pay: 70% of Low-Income Nigerian Parents Can’t Afford School Fees on Time

The high cost of education isn’t limited to tuition. Transportation, uniforms, and textbooks further strain low-income families. Dadalowa addresses these ancillary expenses as part of its broader mission to make education accessible. By including services like mobility solutions and learning materials, the initiative ensures students receive a holistic educational experience without overburdening their parents.

This comprehensive approach has helped Dadalowa gain the trust of communities, enabling it to expand from 65 schools in its first two terms to over 120 schools across Ogun and Oyo states.

Staggered Learning & High Dropout Rates: The Dire Consequences of Unaffordable School Fees in Nigeria

When parents can’t afford to pay school fees on time, the impact ripples through the education system. Staggered learning schedules disrupt academic progress, and many students drop out entirely, perpetuating cycles of poverty. For schools, delayed payments create cash flow challenges, often leading to costly loans with interest rates exceeding 20%.

Dadalowa’s system mitigates these consequences by providing schools with immediate access to funds through bank partnerships, while parents benefit from manageable payment plans. This dual-benefit model has proven to be a win-win for all stakeholders.

Community-Led Innovations: How Programs like Dadalowa Are Easing Nigeria’s Education Crisis

Founded by Segun Jerome, whose career spans multiple industries, including banking, media, education, and technology, Dadalowa began with a simple idea discussed at a Parent-Teacher Association meeting involving five schools. Its rapid growth—to 65 schools within two terms and now 120 schools—is a testament to the demand for flexible education financing solutions. Jerome, who also founded Playspread, a media intelligence firm serving notable organizations such as the MacArthur Foundation, DFID, and COSON, as well as HCDA, a training institute for business owners and skilled professionals, is using Dadalowa to address one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most pressing challenges: school dropout rates due to financial barriers.

By leveraging technology and community trust, Dadalowa has become more than just a payment platform. It is a lifeline for families struggling to keep their children in school and a stabilizer for schools navigating financial uncertainty. Parents now have access to installment plans that align with their income cycles, breaking the cycle of delayed payments and educational disruptions.

Conclusion

In a nation where education is both a right and a challenge, Dadalowa is reshaping the narrative. Its innovative micro-payment system has not only kept children in school but also restored hope to families facing financial hardships. With its continued growth and impact, Dadalowa is poised to play a critical role in bridging Nigeria’s education gap, proving that with the right tools, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. For contact, reach out via [email protected]

 

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INTERPOL Declares 14 Nigerians Wanted for Global Crimes: Human Trafficking, Drug Smuggling, Robbery, and More”

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INTERPOL Declares 14 Nigerians Wanted for Global Crimes: Human Trafficking, Drug Smuggling, Robbery, and More"

INTERPOL Declares 14 Nigerians Wanted for Global Crimes: Human Trafficking, Drug Smuggling, Robbery, and More”

In a shocking international development, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has issued Red Notices for 14 Nigerians linked to serious crimes across multiple countries. The wanted individuals face charges ranging from human trafficking to drug smuggling and organized crime, with their alleged actions sending ripples across the global criminal justice community.

INTERPOL’s website revealed the names of 14 Nigerians sought by law enforcement agencies from countries around the world. The charges include disturbing crimes such as the exploitation of minors for prostitution, drug trafficking, robbery, sexual assault, and even criminal conspiracy.

Among the most prominent figures is Felix Omoregie, who stands accused of leading a criminal network in Belgium that exploited minors for prostitution. The Belgian authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Omoregie on charges of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and organized crime. His age is listed as 47 years old, and he remains a key target for international law enforcement.

Jessica Edosomwan, another wanted individual, is under investigation by French authorities for her involvement in human trafficking. According to the INTERPOL notice, Edosomwan is implicated in trafficking multiple victims for sexual exploitation and laundering the proceeds of her crimes through organized gangs.

Other Nigerians are implicated in a wide range of illicit activities across the globe. Uche Egbue and Jude Uzoma are wanted by Argentina and Brazil, respectively, for their alleged roles in large-scale drug trafficking operations. Chinedu Ezeunara faces similar charges in Uruguay, while Benedict Okoro is being sought by Nicaragua for involvement in organized crime.

In Angola, Ikechukwu Obidiozor, Alachi Stanley, and Akachi Vitus are wanted for a chilling series of crimes, including kidnapping, robbery, and the illegal possession of firearms. Meanwhile, Bouhari Salif is wanted by China for drug smuggling, and Timloh Nkem is being sought by Canada for sexual assault and failure to comply with legal requirements.

As the web of international crime continues to unfold, Austine Costa and Okromi Festus are under investigation by Indian authorities for serious charges, including criminal conspiracy, forgery, and cheating.

These startling revelations have sent shockwaves throughout the global law enforcement community, with INTERPOL urging the public to remain vigilant. While the Red Notices serve as a warning to those who may have information on the whereabouts of these criminals, questions have been raised about the level of coordination required to apprehend such dangerous individuals.

Could this be the tip of the iceberg for a larger network of international crime syndicates operating with impunity across borders? As law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to track down these fugitives, one thing is clear: the fight against global crime is far from over.

INTERPOL emphasized that the Red Notices are not international arrest warrants, but rather calls to law enforcement agencies worldwide to assist in the identification, arrest, and extradition of these criminals. Public cooperation is now more critical than ever. Anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities and help bring these criminals to justice.

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10-Year-Old Boy Brutally Murdered by Kidnappers in Plateau State

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10-Year-Old Boy Brutally Murdered by Kidnappers in Plateau State After Partial Ransom Payment

10-Year-Old Boy Brutally Murdered by Kidnappers in Plateau State After Partial Ransom Payment

The Rikkos community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State was thrown into mourning after the tragic murder of 10-year-old Tasi’u Abdullahi by his kidnappers, despite a partial ransom payment made by his family.

Tasi’u was abducted on Monday, December 16, near his family’s residence. According to his uncle, Aliyu Muhammad, the boy was lured away by unidentified individuals in front of their home. Days later, the abductors contacted the family, demanding N50,000 for the child’s feeding and a ransom of N1 million for his release.

Following rounds of negotiations, the family managed to convince the kidnappers to accept N300,000. An initial payment of N150,000 was transferred to the abductors as instructed. However, the tragic turn of events left the family and the community in shock and grief.

Despite the family’s efforts to secure the boy’s freedom, his lifeless body was discovered in a sack near their home on Friday. A woman reportedly called the family the day after the ransom payment to inform them of the boy’s death.

“Upon examining the body of the deceased, we observed that our son had been strangled, with blood coming out of his nose and mouth,” Mr. Muhammad revealed during an emotional briefing with newsmen on Tuesday.

Local authorities confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the gruesome crime. The suspects are currently in custody as the investigation continues. Security agencies have vowed to bring all those involved in the heinous act to justice.

The incident has sparked outrage and grief within the Rikkos community and beyond. Residents are calling on the government and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to curb the growing menace of kidnappings and ensure the safety of children in the region.

Tasi’u’s family is demanding justice for their son, urging authorities to make an example of the culprits to deter future occurrences. “We need justice for our son. He was innocent and did not deserve such a cruel end,” Mr. Muhammad said, his voice heavy with emotion.

The tragic death of Tasi’u Abdullahi underscores the alarming insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings and violent crimes continue to plague communities. As investigations unfold, the Rikkos community hopes for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace to the area.

 

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U.S. Court Sentences Tunde Ayeni to 10 Years for Internet Fraud, Orders $20 Million Restitution

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U.S. Court Sentences Tunde Ayeni to 10 Years for Internet Fraud, Orders $20 Million Restitution

U.S. Court Sentences Tunde Ayeni to 10 Years for Internet Fraud, Orders $20 Million Restitution

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama has sentenced Babatunde Ayeni, a Nigerian internet fraudster, to 10 years in prison and ordered him to pay nearly $20 million in restitution to his victims.

Mr. Ayeni pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, leading to his 120-month sentence. According to court filings obtained by Peoples Gazette, Judge Terry Moorer delivered the verdict on October 31.

The court found that Mr. Ayeni, along with his co-conspirators Feyisayo Oyindola Oginsanwo and Yusuf Olasunkanmi Lasisi, was responsible for defrauding multiple individuals and entities of $19,599,969. Although Mr. Ayeni ceased his fraudulent activities in April 2019, he was held accountable for his past actions.

Acknowledging Mr. Ayeni’s financial inability to pay, the court waived interest on the restitution. However, he remains obligated to repay the amount in full alongside his accomplices.

Upon completion of his sentence, the U.S. immigration authorities will decide whether Mr. Ayeni will face deportation or remain in the United States under three years of supervised release with strict conditions.

Mr. Ayeni’s conviction adds to the growing list of Nigerians prosecuted for internet fraud in the United States. High-profile cases include Abidemi Rufai, an associate of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was recently released, and others like Ray Hushpuppi and Mr. Woodberry, who have faced similar charges.

The U.S. continues to crack down on cybercrime, emphasizing its commitment to protecting citizens and businesses from online fraud.

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