Ms Titilolami Bello, Founder of Path to Possibilities, a UK-registered charity, has called for increased investment in education and vocational training to equip young Nigerians with practical skills.
Bello made the call during the 10th anniversary and graduation ceremony of beneficiaries of the organisation’s tailoring programme at its resource centre in Ikota, Ajah, on Sunday.
She said such investment would help reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, which currently tops the list of countries with the highest number of out-of-school children.
“We need to diversify education through vocational training and practical skills to engage more out-of-school children. Government at all levels must commit more funds to enhance education and vocational skills development,” she said.
Bello noted that the organisation was founded in 2009, while its community resource centre was established in 2016 to provide access to books, computer training, and vocational education for underserved children and youths.
According to her, the centre operates a library and computer laboratory with free internet access and full-time instructors who teach basic digital skills and computer literacy.
“Many schools within the community lack computer laboratories and depend on the centre to expose their pupils to practical computer education through scheduled visits,” she said.
“The resource centre also serves as a safe space where vulnerable girls can obtain sanitary products and other essential support without discrimination. We also organise workshops on CV writing and interview skills so that young people can compete confidently for employment opportunities.”
Bello added that Path to Possibilities introduced tailoring training in 2025 to equip out-of-school youths and secondary school graduates with employable skills.
“We are happy to graduate the first set of five students from the tuition-free 12-month tailoring programme,” she said.
She identified poor electricity supply as the organisation’s major challenge and disclosed that plans are underway to install a solar power system to ensure uninterrupted learning and reduce operating costs.
According to Bello, thousands of children have benefited from computer literacy, digital drawing, vocational training, and access to sanitary pads through partnerships with supporters and charitable organisations.
She commended the organisation’s partners for their donations, training programmes, and other interventions that have strengthened its impact on the community. Bello also appealed to established fashion designers to offer apprenticeship opportunities to the tailoring programme graduates to help them acquire advanced skills and build sustainable careers.
She emphasised that tackling youth unemployment and educational challenges requires collaboration between government and private organisations to develop the country’s human capital.
Speaking at the event, Ms Funmilola Akanmu, a Trustee and Director of the organisation, said Path to Possibilities was established to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
Akanmu stated that the organisation began by sponsoring six years of secondary school education for selected children and has so far sponsored no fewer than 20 students. It hopes to sponsor additional children this year.
“Path to Possibilities covers the school fees, uniforms, books, and every educational requirement of these students for six years without any financial contribution from their parents,” she said. “Some of the children are orphans or from single-parent families and underprivileged backgrounds.”
The director disclosed that the resource centre accommodates about 500 children daily for reading programmes and computer skills training. It also hosts scheduled visits from schools in the Ikota area.
Akanmu expressed hope that improved funding and stronger support for public schools would enhance access to secondary education across the state and the country.
One of the beneficiaries, Jimoh Orilowo, who has one hand, expressed delight at the opportunity to learn tailoring.
“At first, it was challenging due to my disability, but with encouragement and support from my tutor and the team, I was able to overcome it. I can now cut and sew with one hand,” he said. “I am grateful to Path to Possibilities for seeing ability in my disability.”
Another beneficiary, Destiny Godwin, commended the charity for its support.
“I am a girl raised by a single parent. This opportunity means a lot to me. I intend to further my education while enhancing my tailoring skills,” she said.
The beneficiaries were presented with free sewing machines and certificates at the event.
