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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Queen’s College Principal Counts Gains of ‘Freelance Day’

From ThisDay · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • Queen's College, Lagos, introduced 'Freelance Day' to foster skill development and reduce student restiveness.
  • Held every Wednesday during break time, the initiative allows students to engage in various skills like music, sports, and crafts.
  • The program has successfully reduced bullying and restiveness, with students actively embracing and suggesting new skills.

The introduction of 'Freelance Day' at Queen's College, Lagos, has significantly curbed restiveness among students by focusing on skill development, according to Principal Dr. Oyindamola Obabori. The initiative aims to equip students with essential life skills beyond their academic curriculum.

Education is important, but there is weeds need to back it up with life skills to make it complete.

— Dr Oyindamola ObaboriThe Principal of Queen's College, Lagos, explaining the rationale behind the 'Freelance Day' initiative.

Observed every Wednesday from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, 'Freelance Day' provides a lecture-free period where students can voluntarily participate in a wide array of activities. These range from music and sports to practical skills such as handset repair, tie-and-dye, bead making, cosmetology, and even robotics and coding for girls. The college also leverages its bakery for baking skills and incorporates traditional clubs and societies into this dedicated time.

We do not force them against their wish. After the break, they all return to their respective classes.

— Dr Oyindamola ObaboriDescribing the voluntary nature of the 'Freelance Day' activities.

Staff members and external coaches facilitate these sessions, exposing students to diverse fields and offering them avenues to channel their energy productively. The principal noted that the students have enthusiastically embraced the program, even contributing ideas for new skills. This engagement has fostered a sense of empowerment and has demonstrably reduced instances of bullying and restlessness within the school.

There is also great opportunity to avail the girls with basic skills on how to bake with our bakery optimally functional.

— Dr Oyindamola ObaboriHighlighting the diverse skill-building opportunities available to students.

Obabori, the 26th principal of the 99-year-old institution, expressed satisfaction with the initiative's impact. She highlighted that the students feel their voices are heard and their needs are being met, contributing to a more positive and engaging school environment. The program's success is measured by the reduction in disruptive behavior and the increased participation in constructive activities.

and so far, they feel excited that their voices are heard and most of their needs met.

— Dr Oyindamola ObaboriCommenting on the students' positive reception and engagement with the initiative.
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Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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