Nigerian Education Outreach White Paper

Freely you receive, freely you must give 1
White Paper: African Education Outreach, 2015
OUR MISSION
African Education Outreach is a public nonprofit organization that seeks to create and maintain a
quality, welcoming education K-12 campus in Nigeria with curricula relevant to the goals and
aspirations of each student irrespective of faith, creed, tribe, ethnicity, or social status.
THE VISION
The visions and purposes of African Education Outreach (AEO) are: _
1. To identify the educational needs of school children in Nigeria
2. To build, equip, recruit and staff new schools in Nigeria that meet the local standard
and compete with international standards.
3. To identify local schools in African communities that are struggling and work with
them to bring the schools to a standard that will compete nationally and
internationally.
KARIS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY: THE FIRST PROJECT OF AEO
AEO’s first school project is Karis International Academy in Abakaliki, a community in the
South-east of Nigeria.
In the town of Abakaliki, many school age children, boys and girls, are still found “hawking” on
the streets, a result of poverty and the lack of educational opportunities. 1
1
According to UNICEF (cf. Information Sheet: Child Labour, UNICEF Nigeria, 2006)
Child labour remains a major source of concern in Nigeria, in spite of legislative measures. Child
labour is defined as work that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful
to children and deprives them of opportunities for schooling and development.
According to the International Labour Organization, the number of working children under the
age of 14 in Nigeria is estimated at 15 million. The high level of diverse and tedious jobs that
children execute in dangerous circumstances is particularly worrying. These jobs include being
street vendors, beggars, car washers or watchers and shoe shiners. Others work as apprentice
mechanics, hairdressers and bus conductors while a large number work as domestic servants and
farm hands.
Research also shows that child workers display poor educational achievements. Girls start
working at an earlier age than boys, particularly in the rural areas. They also suffer the triple
burden of housework, school work and work out of home whether paid or unpaid. One of the
most common practices is the use of children as child domestics - especially girls.
Major causes of child labour are widespread poverty, rapid urbanization, breakdown in extended
family affiliations, high school dropout rates,and lack of enforcement of legal instruments
meant to protect children. Traditionally, children have worked with their families, but today
children are forced to work for their own and their family’s survival. The money earned by child
family members has become a significant part of poor families’ income.

Classroom block buildings constructed by the missionaries and the Nigerian government before
and after the Nigerian civil war (1967-1970) remain dilapidated, often with blown off roofs.
Children are left to study under the shade of nearby trees, as you can see in the pictures below.
Dilapidated classroomblock with blown off roofs Students have to study underthe shade of nearby trees
Where intact buildings exist, the classrooms usually are not equipped with desks for students or
with tables and chairs for teachers. Based on Nigeria’s 2010 Basic Education Profile,
Nwakamma2 argues that there are fewer Early Childcare Development (ECD)3 centers in Ebonyi
State compared to the other five Southeastern States.
Our vision, in the face of these challenges, is to provide education to students who desire it.
Thus, AEO chose the Abakaliki region for the development and construction of our first school,
Karis International Academy, because of the strong potential to improve educational
opportunities for youth in and near Abakaliki, as well as youth in other areas of Nigeria.
Abakaliki, like most towns in Nigeria, is growing rapidly. It has a population of 192,000 and is
projected to reach 290,000 by 2040. By 2040, Ebonyi state is expected to increase from 2.5
million to a population of 4 million. In about 25 years, about 1.5 million youth in Ebonyi state
alone will need education. This growth is also true of the neighboring Nigerian States; United
Nations projects that Nigeria with a population of 177.5 million people will reach 300 million by
2040. This projected population growth underscores the urgent need to finance, build, and
maintain additional schools for Nigerian youth.
Without the existence of quality schools to take care of this growing population, families in
Ebonyi State will continue to struggle to survive through subsistence agriculture, on soil that is
hardly productive due to over use and abuse. There are youth on these farms today who cannot
2
Nwakamma Michael Chibuzor, International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Vol. 5, No. 2;
February 2015, P. 23.
3
Early Childcare Development centers (ECD) refers to pre-primary education centers as Day care centers
and Kindergartens.

read or write, and live on the farms with their parents.4 They are unable to practice modern and
mechanized farming because they lack the knowledge to do so. Without new educational
opportunities, many of these youth will end up hawking on the streets to make a living, thus
perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
We want to keep these children off the street and back to the classroom where they belong.
Karis International Academy will prepare students to graduate with basic entrepreneurial,
technical and vocational skills necessary for agricultural, commercial and economic
development. Karis will prepare students to continue on to college and become trained in the
applied sciences, technology, business, craft, and thus becoming economically self-reliant.
[Proposed classroom block of Karis International Academy] Proposed Student Dormitory (Hostel)
AEO has purchased 10 acres of land in Nigeria for its first school, to be called Karis
International Academy. We chose the Greek word “Karis,” which means “grace” to emphasize
our mission. We believe we have received graciously and we must give graciously. Graduates
from our school will be distinguished not by the background they come from, but by their zeal
4
These children who work suffer from fatigue, irregular attendance at school, lack of comprehension and
motivation, improper socialization, exposure to risk of sexual abuse, high likelihood of being involved in
crime. http://www.unicef.org/nigeria/children_1935.html

for academic excellence, character development, openness to new experiences, as well as by
their aspiration to recognize and appreciate all of God’s gifts and their readiness for a life of
service. Hence the school motto is “gratis accepistis, gratis date,” Freely you received, freely
you must give.
Karis will be a coeducational school; when in full operation, the school will have a Primary
Section, a Secondary Section and the Sixth Form (Advance Level). The Primary School will
include students from kindergarten to 6th grade, and the Secondary School will include students
from 7th to 12th grade. The Sixth Form is a one year internship for students who want to
specialize in any of the entrepreneur. This will equip them to start their own business. It will also
offer a second chance to students who did not succeed in their university qualifying examination.
At full capacity, Karis Secondary School will have a total of 900 students with an optional
boarding facility for about 700 students. The Sixth Form will have room for only twenty
students.
Because of the extraordinarily high dropout rate in Primary Schools, AEO will first build the
Secondary School. Most children in this farming community, if they are sent to school, will
usually drop out of school after their primary school. This is because their parents cannot afford
the tuition to keep them in school beyond that level. We want to catch them before they drop out.
These are the students we want to keep in school with scholarship. However, we will receive
tuition from students who will come from outside the farming community of Abakaliki whose
parents can afford to send them to our school. There are many middle class families who are
willing to send their children to the best school possible. And because there are few quality
schools in Abakaliki area, these parents currently send their children to the neighboring states of
Enugu, Anambra and as far as Abuja, Delta and Lagos states. It is our hope that Karis will take
care of the needs of such families and attract students from other parts of the country.
Affordable tuition will help sustain the school, moving forward. Students will prepare to attend
college or to enter an agricultural or technical trade. Graduates will move on to be members of a
new generation of African youth who will be leaders and problem-solvers in their communities.
Having received a solid start and placed in a good position for success, some Karis graduates
will move on, we trust, to lead at the national and international levels.
THE CHALLENGE
ON NIGERIA:
According to the United Nations, Nigeria with a population of about 177.5 million people is the
most populous country in Africa and accounts for an estimated 47% of West Africa’s population.
The population is expected to reach 300 million by 2040, roughly equivalent to the current US
population but living on territory far smaller than the United States. Nigeria has a poverty
headcount ratio of $1.90 a day, indicating that most Nigerian’s live at or below that income
level.5 Thus, it is not surprising that the United Nations ranked Nigeria the 13th poorest nation in
the world, with about 70% of the population living on approximately one dollar per day (UN,
2015).
5
http://povertydata.worldbank.org/poverty/country/NGA

The World Bank has defined poverty as a state where an individual is not able to care adequately
for his/her basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. Impoverished individuals are unable to
meet social and economic obligations; they lack gainful employment, skills, assets and self-
esteem, and they have limited access to social and economic infrastructures such as education,
health, potable water, and sanitation. Consequently, the poor have limited chances of advancing
to the full range of their capacities.6
The African Development Bank (1998) has argued that poverty alleviation can only be realized
through sustained and broad-based economic growth that is complemented by efficient provision
of social services such as education, health-care, clean water, sanitation, and nutrition.
Education, according to the World Bank, is central to development and eradication of poverty.
Education promotes economic growth, national productivity and innovation, and values of
democracy and social cohesion.
In Nigeria, most of the population has received no formal education, and they represent most of
the nation’s poor. This is especially true of the population in Ebonyi State in southeastern
Nigeria, where the Karis School will be built and maintained.
ON EBONYI STATE
Ebonyi State is one of the thirty-six (36) States in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The State was
created out of the former Enugu and Abia States on October 1, 1996, under the military
administration of Late Gen. Sanni Abacha. Ebonyi State is located in the southeastern region of
Nigeria, bounded to the North by Benue State, to the West by Enugu State, to the East by Cross
River State, and to the South by Abia State. Ebonyi State is endowed with abundant natural
resources, and the agricultural potential is great.
6
“Approaches for Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: A Study of Ebonyi State
Community Based Poverty Reduction Agency (EB-CPRA),” by Nkwede Joseph O., in (International
Journal of Social Science Studies Vol.2, No.1; 2014).

Over 85% of the population lives in the rural heartland.7 Yet the State needs agricultural
development as well as development of water resources. Educational disparities are widespread.
Most children have no access to a formal grade school, middle school, or high school.
Ebonyi State has 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs), and the population was 2,176,947
according to the 2006 national census, with a growth rate of 3.5% per annum. The State has a
weak health system. In 2006, life expectancy at birth in Ebonyi State was 46 years for females
and 45 years for males. In 2006 the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) was 191 per 1000; those
pediatric mortality rates remain very high today. Ebonyi State has a Maternal Mortality Rate
(MMR) of 602 per 100,000 populations, one of the highest MMRs in Nigeria.8
Available reports indicate that the underlying factors that account for the high MMR in Ebonyi
State include poverty (especially in the rural areas), lack of education, cultural beliefs,
inadequate health facilities, and unskilled birth attendants. In 2010, Nigeria’s National Bureau of
Statics reported that about 73.6% of Ebonyi natives are poor.9 The State has no safe water or
7
Chukwu, E.O. (2012). “Estimates of Rural Poverty Level and Income Distribution in Ebonyi State of
Nigeria”.
Nigerian Journal of Agriculture, Food and Environment (NJAFE),8(3), pp. 52-61.
8
Ebonyi State,Ministry of Health. State Strategic Development Plan 2010-2015. Abakaliki: Ebonyi
State, Ministry of Health. 2010
9
National Bureau of Statistics (2010). Nigeria Poverty Profile: The Harmonized Nigeria Living Standard
Survey.
Abuja: National Bureau of Statistics. Cf also “Assessment of National Poverty Reduction Programmes in
Nigeria: A Study of National Poverty Eradication Programme (Napep) Ebonyi State,” by Onwe,Sunday

good sanitation. Sources of drinking water are often from shallow open wells or from
contaminated rivers and ponds. Many Ebonyi people are illiterate, social amenities are lacking,
and industries are nonexistent.10
WHY WE CHOSE ABAKALIKI IN EBONYI STATE FOR THE KARIS SCHOOL
Agriculture is the mainstay of the people of Ebonyi State with more than 75% of the population
engaged in subsistence farming and related activities. The farmers cultivate yams, rice, maize,
and cassava and other crops in large quantities and these bring income to the people and the
State. The state is also endowed with many natural resources and solid mineral deposits. Mining
activities have been going on in some parts of the state for more than eighty years following the
discovery of large deposits of limestone, copper, coal, lignite, lead, zinc ores, and other
associated mineral deposits like barites and salt.
The advent of the oil boom in the country in the 1970s adversely affected the growth and
development of almost every other sector in Nigeria, particularly the mining and agricultural
sectors. Hence Abakaliki was left behind in the boom; the mining of limestone and the cement
industry closed. And because it was cheaper to import food produce, farmers did not receive any
incentives to farm. This was a huge setback to the economy of Ebonyi state and Abakaliki town.
Ebonyi State compared to the other 36 States in Nigeria, ranks 34th within the Federation for
Gross National Product (GDP). In Ebonyi State, the GDP in US dollars is $21,732 versus Lagos
State, which has the highest GDP in US dollars, $741,674. The economic disparities in Ebonyi
State are paralleled by resurgence in preventable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, sexually
transmitted diseases (STD), HIV/AIDS, Guinea worm, cholera, meningitis, and diabetes.
Ebonyi State in Southeastern Nigeria lies between latitudes 060 05’ N and 060 25’ N and
longitudes 0080 00’ E and 0080 18’ E. Much of the area is gently undulating terrain that lies
within the Ebonyi River Basin and the Cross River Plains. In some isolated sub- areas, however,
the topography is rugged. Two climactic seasons affect the region: the rainy season (late April-
October), and the dry season (November-April). Mean annual rainfall is 40 to 80 inches, and
mean monthly rainfall varies from 2 to 11 inches, with August, typically the wettest month,
having 7 to 8 inch of rain. Records show a mean annual temperature of 88 degrees Fahrenheit,
ranging from 91.5 F in the dry season to 82.4 F in the wet season. Other minor climatic
distinctions are the short dry season known as “August break.” From November to February, the
Harmattan trade winds from across the Sahara bring dust storms to Nigeria.
WATER POVERTY INTENSIFIES ECONOMIC, EDUCATIONAL & HEALTH DISPARITIES
Water plays a major role in livelihood (healthcare, poverty and environment) hence its shortage
is always a severe problem to mankind. Development of water resources is thus a major factor
Onwe (Ph.D.,Fcai), & Nwakamma Michael Chibuzor. International Journal of Humanities and Social
Science Vol. 5, No. 2; February 2015, P. 230
10
Approaches for Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: A Study of Ebonyi State
Community Based Poverty Reduction Agency (EB-CPRA),” by Nkwede Joseph O., in (International
Journal of Social Science Studies Vol. 2, No. 1; 2014, pp. 157-158.

for economic growth as well as human and environmental health, and poverty reduction.
Although there is hardly any new building project in Nigeria without a water-related provision,
water insecurity is still a limiting factor to achieving the United Nations Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria for agricultural food production, improved health, and
general environmental sustainability.11 The main source of water for Abakaliki is rain water,
particularly in rural areas. In the dry season, however, even rain water is not available. Most
surface sources dry up, leaving pockets of water at points along the channels. Also, the water
table drops well below exploitable depths in boreholes (hand dug wells). During the dry season,
sources of drinking water are often contaminated shallow wells or contaminated rivers and
ponds. There is a high incidence of gastrointestinal diseases causing diarrhea that can lead to
dehydration, especially in children and the elderly. Resurgent infections also are associated with
severe water shortages.
Typically, water source points are far from villages, averaging about 2 miles. Village water
collectors are mainly children and women; they undertake the responsibility of scouting and
collecting water for household use. The main victims of water related problems are usually the
poor, children, and women. These vulnerable classes also have a higher risk for abuses such as
kidnapping and rape and, thus, for contracting HIV/AIDs. Poverty is strongly associated with
water distress. Time, finances, and other resources that should be directed to other productive
uses are diverted to scouting and purchasing water. This further reduces the purchasing power of
area residents, thereby aggravating poverty. Thus, poverty in itself militates against achieving
water security. The scarcity of water results in land degradation and, in turn, problems of food
production.12 Thus, scientists have advised vigilance and increased efforts to decontaminate and
preserve water sources in Abakaliki and surrounding areas.13
11
An Aspect of Water Distress LevelEvaluation in Abakaliki Area and Environs Southeast Nigeria, by
Rock Onwe Mkpuma, Nwankwo G. I.,Ahiarakwem C. A. in (International Journal of Scientific &
Engineering Research,Volume 6, Issue 2, February-2015, ISSN 2229-5518), p. 1561
12
An Aspect of Water Distress LevelEvaluation in Abakaliki Area and Environs Southeast Nigeria.
Rock Onwe Mkpuma, Nwankwo G. I.,Ahiarakwem C. A.
13
Quality Assessment of Selected Groundwater Samples in Amike – Aba, Abakaliki Ebonyi State,
Nigeria.SO Ngele, E J Itumoh, NC Onwa and F. Alobu. Canadian Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences,
Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 2801-2805, February 2014.

KARIS SCHOOL WILL BE MODEL OF SUSTAINABILITY AS WELL AS EDUCATION
In addition to meeting the educational needs of Nigerian youth, the Karis School will contribute
to the development of sustainable resources to improve the health and quality of life for Nigerian
youth and families within and beyond Ebonyi State. Designed and built with green architecture,
the Karis School near Abakaliki will be a model for the sustainable development and use of
potable water, as well as solar energy, arable land, and other resources, which could contribute to
increased GDP for the region and new efforts to improve maternal and child health.
SUMMARY
Economically, Nigeria is among Africa’s most promising nations, yet it remains among the
poorest countries in the world. Financial investments are needed to diversify and grow the
nation’s economy (away from a primarily oil based economy) and to create new jobs in
agriculture, commerce, healthcare, education, and other occupations. New and well equipped
primary and Secondary Schools are necessary to prepare Nigerian youth for those future jobs, to
help improve the quality of life for Nigerian families and communities, and to advance the
economic development of Africa’s most populous country.
Each of those challenges underscores the need for the Karis School. The AEO mission is to
create and maintain a quality, welcoming educational K-12 campus in Nigeria with curricula
relevant to the goals and aspirations of each student irrespective of faith, creed, tribe, ethnicity,
or social status.
Our goal is to start the Primary Section of Karis International Academy four years after the
Secondary School. At full capacity, Karis Primary Academy will have a total of 600 students,
Kindergarten to 6th grade. When the campus of Karis International Academy reaches full
capacity, it will have 50 classrooms, a chapel, a convent for nuns, a rectory for priests, 16 or
more apartments for teachers and staff, an administrative block, a multi-purpose hall, two
libraries, a science lab, a computer lab, a home economics lab, a language lab, entrepreneur
workshop, a sports pavilion, a well (borehole), power house/water treatment plant, water tanks;
periphery fence around the property and a teaching farm.

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