Oando Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to quality basic education through the donation of over 1,000 back-to-school kits in Plateau State. This intervention, delivered under the Foundation’s LEARNOVATE-FLIP (Foundational Learning Improvement Programme) initiative, marks a major step in supporting underserved communities and enhancing school readiness for vulnerable children.
The back-to-school kits—comprising backpacks, school uniforms, sandals, stationery, and exercise books—were distributed to newly enrolled children across Jos North and Mangu Local Government Areas. The gesture reflects the Foundation’s broader goal of complementing government efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children and strengthen Nigeria’s basic education framework.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony in Jos, Plateau State’s Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, praised the initiative as a transformative intervention. She described it as timely support that aligns with the state’s mission to expand access to inclusive and equitable education for all. “Today marks a significant step in our collective efforts to improve the quality of education in Plateau State,” Piyo said. “It is heartwarming to witness the commitment of organizations like the Oando Foundation in supporting the education sector.”
Piyo emphasized the long-term value of education, noting that children excluded from school are being given a fresh start and a better chance at success. “Education is the key to unlocking the potential of every child. By providing these materials, we are not just sending children back to school; we are giving them the tools to shape their future,” she added.
The Head of Oando Foundation, Tonia Uduimoh, reiterated the organization’s vision for a more literate and empowered generation. “Education is fundamental, and as a Foundation committed to social impact, we believe it is our responsibility to complement government efforts where it matters most,” she said. “Since 2023, our work has been anchored on the LEARNOVATE strategy, with a strong focus on improving foundational literacy and numeracy.”
LEARNOVATE-FLIP, launched in 2024, aims to transform learning outcomes among primary school pupils in four focus states—Ebonyi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Adamawa. Through the programme, Oando Foundation targets young learners who are at risk of being left behind academically, offering tailored support that fosters strong reading and math skills at an early stage.
Uduimoh stressed that foundational learning is the bedrock of lifelong academic success. “When a child gains basic reading and math skills early, it does not just prepare them for the next grade, it sets them up for lifelong learning,” she noted. The Foundation’s approach combines the provision of learning materials with broader educational interventions including teacher training and community engagement.
The initiative comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally. By focusing on early-stage interventions and targeting marginalized regions, Oando Foundation is helping to address systemic issues that hinder educational access and quality.
As the LEARNOVATE-FLIP programme continues to scale, thousands more children across Nigeria are expected to benefit from similar back-to-school interventions. With strategic partnerships and sustained support, the Foundation hopes to contribute meaningfully to reversing Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis and building a future where no child is denied the right to learn.
