Baytur-Rahmah Foundation Boosts Education for Orphans in Lagos

Lateefah Ibrahim-Animashaun, Lagos

In a significant move to enhance educational access for vulnerable children, the Baytur-Rahmah Orphan Foundation has allocated three million naira to support orphans in Lagos.

This initiative aims to cover school fees, textbooks, and other essential educational needs for the upcoming 2024/2025 academic session.

The cheque presentation took place on September 3, 2024, at As-Siddiq Schools in Ketu, where the Foundation’s CEO Hajia Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade encouraged donors to contribute to the ongoing mission of providing care and education for orphans.

Half of the funds, 1.5 million naira, were distributed to the beneficiaries during the ceremony, while the remaining amount will be deposited directly into their schools’ accounts.

Different educational levels

Hajia Yusuf-Ajibade highlighted the success of a sponsored orphan, Miskilu Aminat Olaitan, who graduated with First Class honors from the University of Ibadan and is now pursuing further scholarships. She noted that some orphans were awaiting university admission, while others are at different educational levels.

Reflecting on past efforts, the CEO revealed that the Foundation invested nearly five million naira in the education and welfare of orphans during the previous academic year, attributing this achievement to the generosity of their supporters, including organizations like the Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation.

“It is a pleasure to announce that our ward, Miskilu Aminat Olaitan, made a first class and she is looking forward to seeking scholarships to further her studies after the service year. May Allah (SWT) ease her affairs.  Amin. Only great academic achievements like hers and correct disposition to Islamic values will encourage donors to do more.

She further stated; “A word of caution we need to make is that we shall not hesitate to drop beneficiaries whose morals and academic achievements are below acceptable levels. As Muslims we must excel academically and morally. Failure and complacency can neither benefit donors, beneficiaries nor the society.”

The event featured insights from Hajia Monsurat Tijani, Director of Angus Memorial Senior High School, who emphasised the importance of moral uprightness alongside academic success.

She urged the mothers of the orphans to ensure their children grow in a balanced environment that fosters both knowledge and ethical behavior.

Hajia Tijani also encouraged the orphans to seize the opportunities provided to them, reminding them that education is a powerful tool for a brighter future.

Community leaders, including the former Amirah of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Hajia Azeezah Gidigbi, also spoke at the event, stressing the vital role parents play in their children’s education and urging them to take responsibility.

The Baytur-Rahmah Orphan Foundation’s efforts exemplify a commitment to uplifting orphans and ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed academically and socially.