MTN Foundation and UNICEF have begun distributing books, school bags and water bottles to junior secondary students in public schools across nine Nigerian states
MTN Foundation, UNICEF Begin School Materials Distribution to Students in Nine States
Newsheadline247
The MTN Nigeria Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the First Ladies of nine states, has commenced the distribution of learning materials to junior secondary school students in public schools across the country.
The initiative, which began on October 6, covers Lagos, Edo, Cross River, Osun, Abia, Kaduna, Ekiti, Nasarawa and Anambra states. The materials include books, school bags and water bottles intended to help students access basic resources needed for effective learning.
The first phase of the distribution has been completed in Lagos, Edo, Cross River and Osun states, while students in the remaining five states are expected to benefit later in October.
The programme forms part of the MTN Foundation’s continuing investment in education and efforts to improve learning opportunities for young people, particularly by addressing some of the practical challenges that can affect students’ participation in school.
Executive Director of MTN Nigeria Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, represented by Stella Nwosisi, General Manager, Regional Operations Lagos, MTN Nigeria, said the intervention was designed to provide practical assistance to students and make learning more engaging and productive.
“At MTN Foundation, we believe that education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and building prosperous communities. Every child deserves not only access to education, but also access to the tools and the resources needed to learn effectively and to succeed. This conviction, inspired by the Learning Support Materials Initiative, is an intervention designed to support students with essential educational materials that makes learning more engaging, more productive, and definitely more rewarding,” she said.
The First Ladies of the participating states are supporting the initiative by facilitating the distribution of the materials to selected public schools in their respective states.
Their involvement is expected to strengthen collaboration among the MTN Foundation, UNICEF and state-level stakeholders in delivering educational support to students.
The partnership also seeks to address practical barriers that may limit children’s participation in education, recognising that access to basic learning materials can contribute to a more supportive school environment.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State First Lady, Mrs Aolat Alade, Director of Procurement in the Deputy Governor’s Office, said the initiative demonstrated the importance of partnerships in supporting educational development.
“I am particularly pleased that MTN Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to educational development and community impact through initiatives such as this. Education remains one of the most powerful instruments for personal development and social transformation. Therefore, every investment made in the education of our children is an investment in the future of Lagos State and Nigeria,” she said.
Distribution is expected to continue in Abia, Kaduna, Ekiti, Nasarawa and Anambra states as the programme extends its reach to more junior secondary school students.
Through the collaboration, the MTN Foundation, UNICEF and participating state stakeholders aim to provide practical learning support and improve students’ access to essential educational resources.
The initiative underscores the role of partnerships between private organisations, international development agencies and government stakeholders in supporting education and creating opportunities for children to learn and develop.
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