Mr Emeka Oparah, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, said on Thursday that the telecommunications company would improve the learning experience for over 4,200 students.
Oparah said in a statement in Lagos that the company would donate thousands of books, school bags and other educational materials to students across its adopted schools.
He said that it was in line with Airtel’s commitment to improve the standard of education, as well as promote quality learning experience in public primary schools.
“More than 4,200 students in the schools located in Lagos, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, Kwara and Kaduna will benefit from the donations, in line with Airtel’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative known as “Adopt-a-School”.
“Our company’s intervention in the education sector has consistently provided a significant boost, as well as created conducive learning environment for students in the schools over the years.
“Airtel is committed to creating platforms and opportunities that will truly liberate and empower underprivileged children across the country.
“Our Adopt-a-School programme provides a robust platform to reach out to these children who are the future of our great country.
“My colleagues are very excited and they will be going round our adopted schools, not just to make these donations but to interact and spend quality time with the kids.
“This is our way of celebrating the 2017 Children’s day,” he said.
Oparah called on well-meaning Nigerians and other corporate organisations to join in celebrating and creating opportunities for underprivileged children.
He said that Airtel’s adopted schools across the country included Oremeji Primary School, Ajegunle, Lagos; St. John’s Primary School, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State and Community Primary School, Amumara, Imo State.
Others are: Iyeru-Okin Primary School, Offa, Kwara State and Presbyterian Primary School, Ediba, Cross River State.
According to him, the donation exercise will hold in the adopted schools over a period of 5 days, from Monday, May 22, 2017 to Friday, May 26, 2017.
“Representatives from the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB), community leaders and other stakeholders in the states are expected to witness the presentations.
“Airtel Nigeria’s support to the various schools, over the years, has yielded significant results such as encouraging enrolment of more students in the schools.
“It has reduced truancy, improved academic performance of students and enhanced capacity of their academic staff,” he added. (NAN)