Global cloud communications leader, Infobip, through its Nigerian regional team, has announced a strategic community initiative in partnership with the Whitefield Foundation to accelerate educational outcomes for students in Lagos.
The project delivered over 650 specialised textbooks and essential library infrastructure to Wesley Girls Secondary School and Ladilak Institute Primary School, targeting long-term academic excellence.
The initiative moves beyond traditional donation models by focusing on sustainable infrastructure. In addition to the textbooks, Infobip invested in the procurement of new library shelving and the restoration of existing units to create high-functioning learning environments. To ensure the longevity of the investment, the Infobip team committed to ongoing training sessions for school staff, focusing on modern library management and resource optimisation.
Addressing the educational gap
The urgency of this intervention is underscored by recent data from UNICEF, which identifies 18.3 million Nigerian children as currently out of school, the highest figure globally. Furthermore, 74 percent of children aged 7-14 in classrooms lack foundational literacy and numeracy skills. By providing direct access to quality learning materials, Infobip is working to bridge this “learning poverty” gap.
“At Infobip, we believe that communication is the foundation of progress, and education is the ultimate form of communication,” said Isaac Akanni, speaking on behalf of Infobip Nigeria. “This initiative is about more than just resources; it is about catalysing the next generation. We are committed to providing the tools and the inspiration that will empower these students to navigate and lead in an increasingly digital world.”
Empowering students through career mentorship
To complement the physical infrastructure, the handover ceremony featured a career mentorship session. Final-year and graduate students from the University of Lagos and Babcock University, including Deborah Ayinla, Tobi Lateef, and Inioluwa Olukuade, shared insights on the transformative power of quality education, aligning with Infobip’s vision of fostering professional excellence from the ground up.
Representing the beneficiary schools, Jegede, Principal of Wesley Girls Secondary School, highlighted the strategic value of the partnership:
“A library is the intellectual heart of a school, and Infobip has breathed new life into ours. This infrastructure does not just provide books; it provides our students with a structured environment to think, research, and excel. This partnership is a significant boost to our mission of delivering world-class education despite local challenges.”
Funmi Johnson, Executive Director of Whitefield Foundation, noted that the project is a testament to the power of public-private synergy in reducing poverty through “economically viable skills and quality education.”
