The Elsiential Foundation, led by Founder Elsie Olalere, has launched the ignITe Lab project, an initiative aimed at closing digital learning gaps and expanding access to technology for students in underserved communities.

The first ignITe Lab was inaugurated at Isrina Schools in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ajegunle, a community where many children have never interacted with a computer despite growing up in a digital age.

The ignITe Lab equips classrooms with functional computers, learning materials, internet access, and teacher support, ensuring that students gain essential digital literacy skills.

As Lagos continues its drive toward becoming a smart, tech-enabled megacity, thousands of children in low-income and rural areas remain excluded from basic digital learning, with many schools still teaching computer studies using board drawings rather than real devices.

The launch event drew supporters from across the education and technology sectors, including Tech4Dev, represented by Olabisi Etuk, Programs Lead, who joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony and donated its advocacy book, Tech Girls Squad, to enrich the students’ experience.

The first beneficiary, Isrina Schools, was founded by Grace Amuzie and named after her parents, Israel and Angelina Amuzie, for their longstanding support.

It is a low-cost school providing basic quality education to children from low-income households in Ajegunle.

“Our goal is simple: to ensure no child is left behind,” said Elsie Olalere, Founder of the Elsiential Foundation.

“Access to technology opens doors. It helps children dream bigger, learn better, and see themselves as active contributors to the future,” he added.

Expressing her appreciation, Angelina Amuzie, Co-Founder of Isrina Schools, said the ignITe Lab represents a long-awaited milestone.

She explained that many similar promises in the past never materialised, making this achievement especially meaningful.

“When we heard about this project, we were unsure it would happen, but today we see it with our own eyes.

“This lab will give our children early exposure to digital learning, and that is a huge gift,” she said.

The school’s Head Boy, Omoregbe, also expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am really happy and grateful.

“Thank you for doing this for us. May God bless you and strengthen you.”

Speaking at the event, Olabisi Etuk of Tech4Dev noted that following the launch, the organisation will share its digital curriculum, which will be used to train teachers and help them confidently impart ICT skills to their students.

With the successful launch of its first ignITe Lab, The Elsiential Foundation plans to expand the project to more schools across Nigeria, deepening digital literacy and empowering young learners with the tools they need to shape independent and promising futures.

The Elsiential Foundation is a youth-led nonprofit, committed to improving literacy, digital inclusion, and access to quality education in underserved communities across Nigeria.