The Founder and Managing Director of Lift Up Care Foundation (LUCAF), Dr. (Mrs.) Lami Onayi Ahmed, has called on governments at all levels and stakeholders in the education sector to work collaboratively to revive and restore basic education in Nigeria to its former glory.
Dr. Ahmed made this call during a visit to St. Luke’s Primary School in Lokoja as part of activities marking the 2025 Children’s Day celebration. The visit aimed to sensitize the pupils on the importance of proper hygiene and personal health.
She stressed that basic education forms the bedrock of national development and must be prioritized to ensure a brighter future for the country.
“Basic education is the foundation of learning. If we get it wrong at that stage, everything else will fall apart,” she said. “I urge all tiers of government—federal, state, and local—as well as stakeholders, to come together and rescue this vital sector. We must get the foundation right before we can build on it.”
Acknowledging the decline in the quality of basic education, Dr. Ahmed expressed optimism that the system can be revived with collective commitment and effort.
“We can return basic education to its glorious past, and I believe it’s achievable,” she added. “We came here today not just to celebrate with the children, but to show them that they are loved and valued. They are the future, and it’s our responsibility to nurture them.”
Dr. Ahmed also highlighted LUCAF’s focus on health as one of its key areas of intervention. The visit included a sensitization session on the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program, where the children were taught how to maintain cleanliness, brush their teeth, and wash their hands to prevent common diseases.
“Many of these children, especially orphans, cannot afford basic hygiene materials. Today, we provided these items free of charge,” she noted. “Let us remember that government is not just those in power—it is all of us. If we cannot change the whole world, let’s start with one child.”
She urged everyone, including parents, teachers, politicians, and community leaders, to invest in the lives of children, adding, “Life is about making impact and adding value. The future of our society depends on the seeds we plant today.”
Speaking during the event, the Head Teacher of St. Luke’s Primary School, Hajia Kulu Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to LUCAF for the impactful gesture.
“The children now understand the importance of cleanliness, including how to brush their teeth and wash their hands properly,” she said. “Some of them, especially orphans, could not afford toothbrushes, but they now have access to them thanks to this initiative. This will significantly improve their wellbeing.”
She also praised the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for its efforts in improving infrastructure and teacher welfare in the school, which she described as motivating and commendable.
“I encourage other organizations to emulate LUCAF’s example,” she added. “Today, our children have experienced love and care, and it will surely reflect in their behavior and academic performance.”
Speaking on behalf of the pupils, Adamu Gift thanked LUCAF for the kind gesture and promised that the children would apply the knowledge they gained from the session.
