The Director of Programs at Oma Life Rescue Foundation, Hon. Shuaibu Ishaq Onakpa, has called on government at all levels to take urgent and deliberate steps toward strengthening family values and expanding access to public education, particularly in fast-growing communities across the country.
Speaking to journalists during the Foundation’s one day Life Skill Development Programme themed “Guard Your Dream” at Government Secondary School, Mararaba, Onakpa advocated for the introduction of Parenting Studies as a compulsory course in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
According to him, equipping young adults with structured knowledge on parenting, responsibility, and family values is critical to building a more disciplined and value driven society.
“Our nation cannot continue to overlook the foundation of society, which is the family,” Onakpa said. “If we deliberately teach parenting in our higher institutions, we will raise a generation that understands responsibility before bringing children into the world. It is a long term investment in national development.”
Onakpa stressed that many of the social challenges confronting Nigeria today stem from weak parental guidance and lack of value based upbringing. He noted that institutionalizing parenting education would help nurture emotionally intelligent, responsible, and purpose driven future parents.
Beyond curriculum reform, the Foundation’s Programs Director also called on the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, to consider establishing more public secondary schools in the Mararaba axis.
He observed that Government Secondary School, Mararaba, is currently overstretched due to rapid population growth in the area.
“Mararaba has expanded significantly over the years. New settlements continue to spring up, yet the available public school infrastructure has not kept pace with this growth,” he said. “The existing government secondary school is overcrowded and located far from many of these new communities. This places an additional burden on students and discourages enrollment.”
Onakpa described Mararaba as largely a low income community that requires stronger government presence in the education sector to reduce the rising number of out of school children.
“Education remains the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty. When access is limited, the consequences are visible in increased vulnerability among young people. More schools will mean more opportunities and a safer future for our children,” he added.
He commended the management of Government Secondary School, Mararaba, for their resilience and commitment despite infrastructural challenges. He also praised the Nasarawa State Government for its efforts in the education sector, while urging further intervention in densely populated communities.
The event, organized by Oma Life Rescue Foundation, reinforced the organization’s commitment to youth empowerment and educational development, while amplifying calls for structural reforms that prioritize family values and accessible quality education.
The Foundation gave 68 scholarships at the event which covers university education, WAEC fees, and tuition supports for indigent learners in the school.
