In a remarkable display of commitment to education, the Christianna Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has inaugurated a refurbished library at Olubadan High School, Adekile, in Ibadan North East Local Government of Oyo State. The foundation, established by the late Mrs. Omonike Akinjide in memory of her grandmother, Madam Christianna Oladimeji Oladapo, aims to improve literacy rates in Nigeria by providing access to quality educational resources.
The library’s inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures, including the Local Inspector on Education in Ibadan North East Local Government, Miss Mopelola Jimoh, and the Principal of Olubadan High School, Mrs. Beatrice Badaro. In his remarks, Mr. John Okeleye, the foundation’s representative in Nigeria, emphasized that the primary goal of the foundation is to assist students in acquiring a sound and quantitative education. He highlighted the foundation’s significant contributions to education in Nigeria, including donating books to several refurbished school libraries.
The Christianna Foundation’s efforts are geared towards enhancing students’ reading habits, communication skills, and fostering a culture of learning. By providing access to quality educational resources, the foundation aims to bridge the gap in literacy rates in Nigeria. According to the foundation’s website, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, estimated at 10.5 million children, and 35 million children lack basic literacy skills.
During the ceremony, Miss Mopelola Jimoh expressed her appreciation for the foundation’s gesture and suggested that the library should be digitalized to incorporate an e-learning system, aligning with global standards. She encouraged students to maximize the library’s resources to improve their reading abilities and become future leaders, emphasizing that “a reader is a leader.” Mrs. Beatrice Badaro, the principal of Olubadan High School, lauded the foundation’s commitment to education and student development.
The Christianna Foundation has been working tirelessly to improve literacy rates in Nigeria through various initiatives. One of its notable projects is the Book Box Library Club, a mobile library service that lends books to pupils for use at school and home. The foundation aims to reach 20,000 children in 102 primary schools across Ona-Ara, Oyo State. The project has shown positive results, with a pilot study indicating a significant improvement in literacy outcomes among participating students.
The foundation’s work is not limited to building libraries; it also provides teacher training and implements e-reader programs to enhance literacy skills. By providing access to quality educational resources, the Christianna Foundation is helping to address the issue of low literacy rates in Nigeria. According to the World Bank, “Human capital” – the potential of individuals – is going to be the most important long-term investment a country can make for its people’s future prosperity and quality of life.
The library’s refurbishment is a testament to the foundation’s commitment to education and its willingness to partner with schools to improve literacy rates. As noted by the foundation’s UK Director, Rebecca Farmer, “The Book Box Library Club succeeds in getting storybooks in the home and in the community, finally making reading a part of the culture.” The Christianna Foundation’s efforts have made a significant impact, reaching over 17,000 children through its various projects.
The students of Olubadan High School have expressed their gratitude to the Christianna Foundation for the refurbished library. The senior boy, Abdulameed Abdulqudus, on behalf of his fellow students, thanked the foundation for the gesture, which will undoubtedly enhance their academic excellence. The Christianna Foundation’s initiative is a step in the right direction towards promoting education and literacy in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Christianna Foundation’s inauguration of the refurbished library at Olubadan High School is a significant milestone in promoting education and literacy in Nigeria. The foundation’s efforts to provide access to quality educational resources and enhance literacy skills are commendable. As the foundation continues to work towards achieving its goal of improving literacy rates in Nigeria, it is hoped that its initiatives will have a lasting impact on the country’s education sector.
