society
NIGERIA’S EDUCATION CRISIS: 50% STUDENTS STRUGGLE WITH SCHOOL FEES PAYMENT AS FAMILIES RESORT TO DADALOWA BY CHINEDU NSOFOR
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]
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
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