Like the popular saying, nations are built by choice, the students of Wahab Folawiyo Senior Secondary School, Ikoyi, witnessed strategic upgrade of their school’s facilities by Ernst and Young Ripples to enhance the overall learning environment and improve outcomes.
Nigeria is faced with acute learning outcome crisis, with approximately 45 million children aged 7–14 unable to read a simple sentence, despite high enrolment.
Nearly 70 percent of 10-year-olds cannot read proficiently in literacy and numeracy. Experts posit that this crisis is driven by poor infrastructure, and low public investment, among others.
Jane Onobhayedo, the talent leader at EY West Africa, speaking at the unveiling of three revamped science laboratories by the organisation disclosed that the goal is to build a better world.
“We’re building a better working world to touch the communities around us, and of course, the student community and the education sector, which are crucial to national development.
“This is one of such places where we can give and really touch the society. This is more like giving to the people who need it; the future leaders,” Onobhayedo said.
She emphasised that the choice of revamping the school’s science laboratory, was based on the crucial roles of science in the global society.
“For any economy, STEM is important and that’s why we have chosen to do the laboratory projects. We revamped the chemistry, physics, and the biology laboratories; and equipped them with seats, and lab coats.
“Everything that’s needed for students to excel in science is in the laboratory setup. We did this according to the requests from the school and the students. Our expectation is just one ask, and that’s maintenance,” she said.
Buttressing the call for maintenance, she decried the fact that maintenance is generally lacking in Nigerian society and environment.
Osinaike Olawale, the tutor-general/permanent secretary at Lagos educational district three, applauded the organisation on behalf Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, for coming to the aid of the school and the district in general.
Olawale assured the EY Ripples team that he will ensure that the facilities are maintained.
“The governor is always very happy to see educational districts in partnership with highly reliable and resourceful organisations such as EY.
“I want to assure you that I’m going to ensure that those facilities do not deteriorate. I’m going to work with my team to ensure that the equipment are judiciously taken care of,” he assured.
Oyetunde Aziz, the principal at Wahab Folawiyo Senior Secondary School, expressed his delight for the revamped facilities and learning environment in the school.
“Today is I’m the happiest person because of the current reality. We got the approval of this project since 2024, and had thought it would not come to reality.
“Our laboratories, the chemistry, physics and biology have been revamped. With these equipments, I think our science students will be happy for it,” he said.
Aziz emphasis that he expects the students, especially those sitting the 2026 WASSCE to achieve 100 percent success with the practical facilities upgraded to boost learning outcomes.
“The new facilities will help the science students a lot, particularly, those who will be writing the WASSCE. They will have something to work on their practical.
“In fact, the teacher has even told me that with the facilities delivered today, the students must record 100 percent result in science subjects; which means, all my students in WASSCE must pass,” he noted.
Oluwabusiayo Layade, the chief operating officer at EY, who represented Anthony Oputa, the country and cluster managing partner (West), affirmed that EY Ripples programme will be a continual effort which the organisation will deploy resources into.
“Our greatest resource remains our people, who take out of their private time to share knowledge with students via tutoring, so that they will excel when they study and sit for their exams.
“We also commit funds to revamping certain facilities of public schools. As a good corporate citizen, EY remains a good partner to the government and the citizens at large by making the world a better working place, as we shape the future with confidence,” he said.
In addition, Busiayo said, “We believe that the better the students have a good environment and resources to study, the better their results will be; thus we look forward to delivering more projects for students to achieve more and become good citizens in the future.”
From 2014 to date, EY Ripples has worked with eight schools in the district. They have schools such as Eko Akete Senior Secondary School, Victoria Island Senior Secondary School, Dolphin School, and Wahab Folawiyo Senior Secondary School, among others, such as laboratory upgrading.
The organisation also built sick bays and water treatment for some schools, besides embarking on tutorials for students. Moreover, it introduced the Next Generation Initiative for the girls.
Through this programme, they teach female students how to take care of themselves, personal hygiene, walking through school as women or as girls, among others.
