Liberty School Ikota, Lekki Lagos, has offered financial aid to one of its sacked teachers who turned to street hawking and was seen in viral video granting interview during the ongoing hunger protest.
In the video, the person, Folake Olaleye, hawking drinks in bowl on her had stated that she used to teach at Liberty School in Ikota, claiming the school belongs to former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.
However, Olive Tree Parish of the RCCG founded Liberty School Ikota under the leadership of Yemi Osinbajo.
The school offers free primary education, uniforms, books, and daily meals for children of underprivileged parents.
Olaleye in her narration, said she alongside other teachers were unjustly dismissed in 2019 by the school’s head Ngozi Udochukwu saying it has become financially difficult for her to cater to her two children’s needs.
“I was a qualified teacher before. I have GCE and NCE. I’ve taught at Osinbajo’s school before, Free Liberty School in Ajah. It was when Osinbajo entered for the second term [as vice president] that they sacked us.
“Pastor Ngozi at Holy Spirit Parish sacked all the teachers and put her people. Since then, it has affected me. Even my pension is still there. I’m pleading with Osinbajo to settle it. I need my pension,” the ex-teacher narrated.
The footage has excited reaction from Liberty School via a statement in which it said Olaleye was sacked on competence grounds.
“As part of a revitalization 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. Regrettably, Ms. Olaleye did not pass the competency test,” it reads in part.
The school’s management in the reaction announced its desire to give “compassionate” aid to Olaleye and enrol her children to alleviate her struggles.
“In addressing Ms. Olaleye’’s pension, while the scheme has specific age and eligibility conditions for access, both the school and the Church are committed to providing compassionate financial assistance,” it said.
“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.”