The management of Liberty School Ikota has issued a statement in response to a video circulating about Ms. Folake Olaleye, a former staff member.
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. Over 1,000 children have benefitted from its free education, uniforms, books, and daily meals.
The video has raised concerns about the well-being of Ms. Olaleye, prompting the school to reach out and offer support within its resources. The management clarified that Ms. Olaleye’s termination in 2020 followed due process and competency tests, which she unfortunately did not pass. The school emphasized that the decision was made impartially, prioritizing the students’ educational standards.
The school assured that Ms. Olaleye would receive financial assistance equivalent to what she would have been entitled to under the pension scheme, despite her ineligibility.
The statement also addressed the mention of former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, noting his past role in the founding of the school and his continued honorary involvement in similar educational initiatives nationwide.
Liberty School Ikota reaffirmed its commitment to providing free, quality education and thanked the community for its ongoing support.
Read the statement by the school below;
Re: Video Regarding Ms. Folake Olaleye- Statement from the Management of Liberty School Ikota
The Management of Liberty School Ikota has recently been made aware of a video circulating in the public arena concerning Ms. Folake Olaleye, a former staff member of our school.
Liberty School Ikota was founded in 2012 by the Olive Tree Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. It is a completely Free Primary School offering good quality education for children of underprivileged parents. So far, over 1,000 children have gone through Liberty School Ikota with sound free education, including free school uniforms, free books and a free meal every day
The recent video raised concerns about the condition of Ms. Folake Olaleye, a former staff member. We are deeply concerned about Ms. Olaleye’s situation and are actively reaching out to her to offer support within the school’s resources.
Ms. Olaleye’s termination in 2020 was carried out with strict adherence to due process and was free from any personal motives or intentions to replace her with other staff members. We want to reaffirm that the school’s administration consists of dedicated volunteers who generously contribute their time, resources, and talents. These individuals consistently uphold principles of fairness and integrity while prioritising the well-being of our students.
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. Regrettably, Ms. Olaleye did not pass the competency test.
The school remains deeply committed to maintaining high educational standards, even as it provides quality education free of charge to underprivileged communities. This commitment to excellence ensures that our mission to serve the most vulnerable does not compromise the quality of education. Throughout this process, the management team acted with the highest level of fairness, making decisions impartially and with the best interests of the children as the foremost priority.
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. 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. Our goal is to resolve all matters in a respectful, dignified, and amicable manner.
It is also important to state that Ms. Olaleye’s children attended the school and benefited from the school’s 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.
We also wish to address the mention of the former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, in this matter. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN was Pastor of the Olive Tree Parish and under his leadership in 2012 Liberty School Ikota was founded. Everyone knows that he 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.
Liberty School Ikota remains steadfast in its mission to offer free educational opportunities and support to children in need. We deeply appreciate the ongoing trust and support of our community as we strive to ensure a brighter future for all our students.
Sincerely,
The Liberty School Ikota Management Team
