Airtel, UNICEF to Increase Adopted Schools across Nigeria to 1,220

Emma Okonji

Pleased with the performance of pupils in all its 620 adopted schools across Nigeria, under the Re-imagine Education Programme, initiated by Airtel Africa and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the duo have said they would adopt additional 600 schools to the existing 620 adopted schools across Nigeria, in order to extend the benefits to more pupils in Nigeria.

Both Airtel and UNICEF made the promise in Lagos this week, when they visited Oremeji Primary School II, in Ajegunle, Lagos State, one of the adopted schools in the state.     

During the visit to assess the impact of the programme on the learning outcomes of the students, Airtel and UNICEF expressed their satisfaction and delight at the progress rate of the Re-imagine Education programme in Nigeria, describing the pupils’ enthusiasm and improved learning outcomes as proof to the effectiveness of the initiative.

The delegation, which was led by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya, had Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz; UNICEF Chief of Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere; and other corporate leaders from Airtel and UNICEF, engaged teachers, pupils, and school administrators to evaluate the impact of the program on the learning outcomes of the students.

In his remark at event, Ogunsanya described the pace of activity witnessed at Oremeji Primary School as impressive.

“As a business, we have focused on education as a key area of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and this far-reaching partnership with UNICEF helps us to accelerate results. So far, we are pleased that this partnership which is aimed at advancing the education agenda on the continent through facilitating connectivity and online access, is also driving change,” he said.

Corroborating Ogunsanya’s thoughts, Cruz noted that the visit to the school was a testament to Airtel’s commitment to ensuring the impact of the Re-Imagine Education project, while the pupils’ enthusiasm and improved learning outcomes are proof to the efficacy of the initiative.

“Our commitment is the reason we have come as a full team, to pay a visit and be well acquainted with how much this project has impacted both the teachers and students of Oremeji Primary School, and we are delighted to see the tangible impact of the Re-Imagine Education program. At Airtel, education, especially digital learning, forms a significant part of our sustainability agenda for Nigeria and Africa at large and we will stop at nothing to bridge the huge digital gap that currently exists in many primary schools across the country,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Lafoucriere, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to re-imagine education.

“We are happy to join hands with Airtel in improving the digital learning landscape to create a brighter future for children and young people in Nigeria. We believe every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn and thrive; we will continue working together to provide innovative solutions that empower children to fulfill their potential,” Lafoucriere said.