By Gideon Maxwell
August 5, 2024
The Management of Liberty School Ikota in Lagos State, has responded in a statement to address a viral video concerning Ms Folake Olaleye, its former staff member.
The video which raised significant concerns about her well-being, prompted the school to reach out, stating, “We are deeply concerned about Ms. Olaleye’s situation and are actively reaching out to her to offer support within the school’s resources.”
The Management in a statement released on Monday, August 5, 2024, however clarified that Ms. Olaleye’s termination in 2020 was executed with “strict adherence to due process” and was free from any personal motives, emphasising that the decision was made impartially, prioritising the educational standards of the students.
The management noted, “Regrettably, Ms. Olaleye did not pass the competency test,” which was part of a revitalisation project aimed at enhancing the school’s quality.
Regarding Pastor Ngozi Udochukwu’s role, the statement highlighted, “As part of a revitalisation project in 2020, the management team, led by Pastor Ngozi Udochukwu as the Protem Head, played a vital role in enhancing the school’s quality and standards.”
“The team implemented comprehensive competency tests for all teachers and retained only those who demonstrated the necessary proficiency,”Mse management explained.
The management addressed the mention of former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN in relation to the school, saying, “Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN was Pastor of the Olive Tree Parish and under his leadership in 2012 Liberty School Ikota was founded.”
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They clarified that Prof. Osinbajo “ceased to be pastor of the church 9 years ago since 2015. The management of the school has remained in Olive Tree Parish from 2012 to date.”
Indeed since 2012, using the same model, Professor Osinbajo, alongside others have established other free primary schools in other parts of the country, all, either run by local communities or not-for-profit organisations. Their roles in these institutions are purely honorary as patrons and benefactors,” the management also highlighted.
In addressing Ms. Olaleye’s pension, the management acknowledged the specific age and eligibility conditions for access but assured that both the school and the church are committed to providing compassionate financial assistance.
“We will ensure that Ms. Olaleye receives, at a minimum, an amount equivalent to what she would have been entitled to under the pension scheme had she met the eligibility requirements,” they stated, adding that their goal is to resolve all matters “in a respectful, dignified, and amicable manner.”
The statement also highlighted that Ms. Olaleye’s children attended Liberty School Ikota and benefited from its free services, including free education, free books, and free school meals, “until she chose to withdraw them voluntarily. We are committed to exploring ways to provide further educational opportunities for her children,” the management said.
Liberty School Ikota remains steadfast in its mission to offer free educational opportunities and support to children in need.
The management noted that Liberty School Ikota, founded in 2012 by the Olive Tree Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is renowned for providing free primary education to children from underprivileged backgrounds, adding, “Over 1,000 children have benefitted from its free education, uniforms, books, and daily meals.”
The management concluded by expressing gratitude for the community’s ongoing trust and support, stating, “We deeply appreciate the ongoing trust and support of our community as we strive to ensure a brighter future for all our students.”
