By Mahmud Muhammad, PA Domestic & North-East Affairs, Office of the Vice-President
On January, 2025, when Vice President Kashim Shettima addressed a delegation from Rotary International at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, he spoke passionately about the transformative power of education, describing it as the ultimate game changer for Nigeria’s future. Stressing its potential to uplift even the most disadvantaged, he stated that, “With education, within a generation, the son of a peasant can be a celebrated icon.”
The Vice President said that education provides the greatest opportunity to engage the nation’s young population and harness their potential for national development. He further said that, “The trajectory of global growth is facing Africa, and Nigeria will make or mar that transition,” and adding that, with one in every four Black people being Nigerian. Thus, the country has a pivotal role to play in shaping Africa’s future.
These remarks were made during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Rotary International, led by Mark Daniel Maloney, Chair of the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation. The Vice President lauded Rotary International for its ongoing contributions to health and education in Nigeria, urging further collaboration to empower the nation’s youth and secure its leadership on the global stage.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Kumshe, located in Lamisula Ward in Maiduguri, Borno State, a monumental educational initiative is taking shape. This region has been significantly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, which has inflicted and afflicted educational system resulted in massive dislocationand disintegration. Therefore, the establishment of the KSM Academy, Kumshe, (a Free School for orphans), comes at a time when many children are in dire need of educational opportunities and support. The Academy in Kumshe, is a brainchild of the Vice President, is operating with 100% Free with uniform and one square meal for the pupils.
The school, which has already enrolled about 1,000 pupils, is a noticeable model of it’s kind. Its colourful, vibrant buildings depicts in striking contrast to the surrounding environment, scarred by lack and want. The KSM Academy, is an impressive educational environment designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind. The two-storey main classrooms block constructed on a vast expanse of land with many other adjoining academic blocks. The classrooms are painted in cheerful colours, furnished with ergonomic desks and chairs. The perimeter wall fences of the school compound are adorned with murals of cartoon characters, creating an environment which is both welcoming and stimulating for young learners. The classroom setting features a diverse group of younger and bright learners grouped according to gender; their faces are lit with joy as they hold up their educational materials.
The sight of the pupils is that of boys and girls in neatly arranged classrooms and dressed in modest uniforms. This school is not just transforming the lives of the pupils but also serving as a model for how education can be leveraged to empower the most vulnerable.
The Academy is more than just a place of academic instruction; it is an ecosystem of support and empowerment. In addition to providing tuition-free education, the school ensures that each child’s basic needs are met, from supplying educational materials to offering a daily free meal. The provision of free meals is particularly noteworthy as it alleviates one of the barriers to education—hunger—which can significantly impact a child’s ability to learn and concentrate. It also incentivizes school attendance and reduces the burden on families struggling to provide for their children.
The school’s curriculum is designed to foster not only intellectual growth but also social and emotional development. Alongside core subjects like mathematics, science, and language arts, pupils engage in extracurricular activities that promote teamwork, creativity, and self-expression.
The school also provides psychosocial support for orphans who have experienced trauma due to conflict and loss. In fact, it is a nurturing educational environment that is designed to help these children heal and regain a sense of normalcy in the presence of caring teachers and peers who can significantly impact their emotional well-being.
The Academy stands as a shining example of the transformative power of education, particularly for girls. One of the most pressing issues in education within this context is gender disparity. In many parts of Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected areas, girls are subjected to significant obstacles to education. Cultural norms and economic hardships often lead to lower enrolment rates for girls compared to boys. The KSM Academy, Kumshe, aims to create an inclusive environment that encourages both boys and girls to pursue their education. Additionally, the school has implemented policies that ensure girls receive the same level of attention, resources, and opportunities as their male counterparts.
The immediate beneficiaries of the KSM Academy are, of course, the children who now have access to education. However, the ripple effects of this initiative extend far beyond the school walls. Education is a powerful tool for empowering girls, enabling them to make informed decisions about their lives. By providing free education to girls, the school is challenging societal norms that often prioritise boys’ education.
Evidence has also shown that educated girls are more likely to delay marriage, have healthier children, and contribute economically to their families and communities. Educated children grow up to be productive members of society. By equipping these orphans with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, the school is laying the groundwork for economic development in the region. Education is a proven pathway out of poverty. For these children, many of whom come from impoverished backgrounds, the free school offers a lifeline to a better future. Education is key to countering the narratives of extremism and violence. Through these efforts, the school is providing a safe space for learning and growth and helping to foster a culture of peace and tolerance among the younger generation.
Indeed, the KSM Academy is a microcosm of what is possible when political will and personal commitment converge to address societal challenges. Nigeria’s educational system faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and teacher shortages. According to UNICEF (2021 report), Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world. Thus, through initiatives like this, school offers a blueprint for tackling these challenges, particularly in low income and conflict-affected environments.
One of the lessons from this educational initiative is that, it is addressing barriers to education which requires more than just building schools. The provision of free uniforms, educational materials, and meals ensures that children can focus on learning without the distractions of hunger or financial stress. Special efforts must be made to ensure that girls are not left behind. This includes community sensitisation programmes to address cultural barriers and initiatives to make schools safe and welcoming for girls. Also, the education in this environment must be tailored to addressing the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma. This includes training teachers in psychosocial support and creating curricula that promotes peace and reconciliation.
While the Academy is a commendable achievement, it is only the beginning. Scaling up such initiatives is necessary to address the educational crisis in Northeast Nigeria and beyond. The government, civil society, and international organisations must work together to replicate this model in other underserved areas. Investment in teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure is also essential to ensure that the quality of education meets global standards. Additionally, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms must be put in place to assess the impact of such initiatives and make necessary adjustments.
The Academy is more than just a building; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of education. By providing free, quality education to orphans in Kumshe of Lamisula jabbamari ward and beyond, such initiative is giving children a chance to dream, learn, and build a better future. It calls on leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to prioritise education as a cornerstone of national development and social transformation.
Mahmud Muhammad is the Personal Assistant on Domestic (Northeast) to The President,
(Office Of The Vice-President),
mahmood7070@gmail.com
