To strengthen learning environments and narrowing Nigeria’s widening education gap, Whitefield Foundation has equipped two public schools in Lagos with more than 650 textbooks and upgraded library infrastructure, reaffirming education as a powerful tool for social mobility.

The beneficiary schools including Wesley Girls Secondary School and Ladilak Institute Primary School received the materials through a partnership between Whitefield Foundation, a performance-driven social enterprise, and Infobip Nigeria.

Handing over the resources, Executive Director of Whitefield Foundation, Dr. Funmi Johnson, said the initiative was designed to go beyond charity and focus on sustainable impact.

“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty.

“Our goal is not just to donate books, but to strengthen learning environments and inspire students to believe in what quality education can make possible for their future.”

The intervention included the provision of new textbooks across key subject areas, the purchase of new bookshelves, repair of existing library fittings, and the distribution of notebooks to students. At Ladilak Institute Primary School, school bags were also presented to prefects in recognition of leadership and responsibility.

In a further demonstration of its long-term approach, Whitefield Foundation committed to ongoing training for teachers and school staff on effective library management and utilization.

“Sustainable impact happens when resources are combined with capacity building,” Dr. Johnson added. “When teachers and students are empowered to fully use these libraries, the impact extends far beyond today.”

The initiative comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s deepening learning crisis.

According to UNICEF, 18.3 million Nigerian children are currently out of school—the highest number in the world—while 74 per cent of children aged 7 to 14 lack basic reading and numeracy skills, even when enrolled. Stakeholders say these figures highlight the urgency of sustained investment in quality education.

To further inspire students, the handover ceremony featured a career talk by young professionals and undergraduates, including Deborah Ayinla, a Law student at the University of Lagos; Tobi Lateef, a Business Administration undergraduate at UNILAG; and Inioluwa Olukuade, a Babcock University graduate and serving NYSC member. The speakers encouraged students to embrace education, personal development and long-term career planning.

“One conversation can change a child’s outlook forever,” Dr. Johnson noted. “By connecting students with young role models, we are helping them see what is possible.”

School authorities described the intervention as timely and transformative. Mrs. Jegede, Principal of Wesley Girls Secondary School, and Mrs. Abraham Elizabeth, Head Teacher of Ladilak Institute Primary School, both expressed gratitude to Whitefield Foundation and its partners.

“This intervention has strengthened our library and renewed excitement for learning among our students,” Mrs. Abraham said. “We are grateful for an initiative that considers both infrastructure and inspiration.” Speaking on behalf of Infobip Nigeria, Isaac Akanni underscored education as a catalyst for lifelong success and urged students to take full advantage of the new resources.

“Education is the best gift we can give,” Akanni said. “We are proud to support Whitefield Foundation in ensuring these students have access to tools that can shape their future.”

Other dignitaries at the event included Tony Jonah of Infobip and Olutayo Olufemi-Fadipe of Whitefield Foundation.

Observers say the project reflects Whitefield Foundation’s broader mission to reduce poverty and promote social equity through education—an approach that blends infrastructure, mentorship and institutional capacity building to deliver lasting change.