Tunde’s Story — A Reflection of the Lack of Education in Nigeria
Tunde was a bright boy with a quick smile. In primary school, he loved numbers and often told his mother he wanted to become an engineer someday. But when his parents could no longer afford to pay his school fees, his dream slowly faded. At first, he stayed home, watching his friends put on uniforms every morning while he lingered by the roadside. Soon, the street became his classroom. Older boys taught him how to hustle, fight for territory, and collect “taxes” from drivers. Today, Tunde is known not for his brilliance but for his notoriety as a tout in one of Lagos’ busiest motor parks.
Tunde’s story is not unique. Across Nigeria, thousands of children are being pushed out of classrooms and into the streets because their families cannot afford the cost of education. And when children miss school, the effects are not limited to their families alone — society pays the price.
Education: The First Line of Defence Against Poverty
Education does more than teach children how to read and write. It equips them with confidence, critical thinking, and skills to build a better life. A child who completes school has a chance to secure decent work, contribute positively to society, and even lift their family out of poverty.
But when education is cut short, like in Tunde’s case, the story often takes a darker turn. With no qualifications or employable skills, many young people find themselves trapped in a cycle of hopelessness, and the streets become their only option.
How Lack of Education Fuels Touts and Thuggery
Uneducated youths are especially vulnerable to exploitation. They are often recruited by politicians as thugs during elections, used by gangs to carry out crimes, or forced into odd jobs that strip away their dignity.
Without the stability that school provides, idle time and frustration turn into anger. And anger, left unchecked, breeds violence. What could have been a promising engineer, teacher, or doctor instead becomes a street tout, known more for chaos than contribution.
The Cost of Lack of Education in Nigeria on Society
When children are denied education, everyone suffers. Touts disrupt daily life in bus parks and on the streets. Thuggery contributes to rising insecurity, making communities unsafe. Businesses are discouraged from thriving in environments riddled with unrest.
Beyond the immediate effects, the long-term loss is staggering. Each child out of school represents wasted potential — future innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers who could have driven Nigeria forward but instead became casualties of neglect.
Education as Prevention, Not Just Charity
Investing in education is not simply an act of kindness; it is an act of prevention. Every child we help stay in school is one less potential recruit for the streets. Every tuition fee paid is a step toward reducing crime, creating peace, and giving society a chance to thrive.
The truth is clear: keeping children in school is cheaper than fighting crime later. Education is the most powerful weapon we have to build a safer, more prosperous Nigeria.
Changing the Story — How You Can Help
Tunde’s story does not have to be the story of countless other children. With the right support, children at risk of dropping out can remain in school and pursue their dreams.
At AISEPH Aid Foundation, we are committed to paying the school fees of children from families who cannot afford it.
By partnering with us, you are not only changing the life of one child but also protecting the future of our communities.
Every donation is an investment — not just in education, but in peace, safety, and progress.
Because when children miss school, society pays the price. But when children stay in school, everyone wins.