Kehinde Ayeni, the executive director of LEAP Africa has emphasised the importance of equitable access to quality education in preparing young learners across Africa towards a technology-driven future.
“This digital library represents more than devices and internet access; it is an investment in the potential of young minds,” Ayeni stated recently during the commissioning of fully equipped, solar-powered Digital Libraries, which she said will help in unlocking reliable, sustainable access to digital education for over 300 students in Lagos.
The commissioning and handover of the solar-powered Digital Libraries took place at Onike Girls High School, Yaba and Hope Nursery and Primary School, Ikoyi, Lagos. Both schools are community-based institutions serving children from low-income households with limited exposure to modern educational resources.
The donated digital libraries comprise child-friendly tablets with pre-installed curriculum-aligned e-learning content; secure internet access, and appropriate furniture and learning setups. Similarly, the partners are seeking further collaborations with organisations committed to digital inclusion and foundational education.
Ayeni stated that the initiative will help the two benefiting public schools to transition into technology-enabled learning environments, which will bridge the digital divide and strengthen foundational education.
The initiative was delivered by LEAP Africa, in partnership with Dow Chemical and TEM Nigeria, to empower public school students with two fully equipped solar-powered Digital Libraries. “Through partnerships like this with Dow Chemical, we can create sustainable learning environments that empower children and educators alike,” Ayeni stated.
According to Ayeni, the initiative was designed to provide access to digital learning tools, enhance lesson delivery to over 300 children annually through interactive educational content, and improve academic performance and digital literacy.
“Beyond the classroom, the programme is designed to ignite early interest in STEM and innovation, while positioning the beneficiary schools as practical models for community-driven digital transformation.”
Adebisi Adeoti, managing director, West Africa and Africa head of sustainability and strategy at Dow Chemical, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive development and education as a catalyst for long-term community transformation.
“At Dow, we believe that access to education and digital skills is critical to building resilient communities. This project reflects our commitment to creating shared value and supporting initiatives that prepare the next generation for the future,” Adeoti stated.
The partners intend to scale the model to more public schools across Lagos with LEAP Africa at the lead to underscore the power of cross-sector collaboration in addressing educational gaps and advancing sustainable development outcomes across communities.
“With the deployment of the digital libraries, teachers at Onike Girls High School and Hope Nursery and Primary School will be better equipped to deliver engaging, interactive lessons, while students gain exposure to digital tools, STEM learning, and global knowledge resources from an early age,” F.O Alabi, vice principal, Onike Girls High School, stated.
