Unilever Nigeria Plc has stepped up its corporate social investment efforts with the refurbishment of a public primary school in Ogun State.
The company, in partnership with GEP, on February 18 formally handed over renovated classroom blocks, upgraded sanitation facilities and newly installed solar panels at Local Government Primary School, Elero-Igbesa. The intervention included modern toilet facilities, improved ventilation and classroom furnishings, aimed at creating a more functional and energy-resilient learning environment.
The project positions the Nigerian subsidiary of the Anglo-Dutch multinational as a private-sector contributor to subnational education reform, at a time when infrastructure deficits continue to weigh on public primary schooling outcomes.
Abayomi Arigbabu, Ogun State’s commissioner for education, science and technology, described the initiative as consistent with the state’s school infrastructure renewal agenda and urged other corporates to follow suit.
Tobi Adeniyi, managing director of Unilever Nigeria, described the intervention within the context of Sustainable Development Goal 4, the UN target on inclusive and equitable quality education, as well as the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda. He said the upgrades were designed not only to improve physical infrastructure but also to enhance attendance, concentration and academic performance through safer, healthier facilities.
“Every child has earned the right to quality education. And beyond the four walls of the classrooms, we must ensure that our children are equipped with an enabling environment that helps them to concentrate, learn, and dream. This project is part of our sustainability agenda to improve lives and empower future generations,” he said.
Abdul-Azeez Akinde, the Oloja-Ekun of Igbesaland in Ado-Odo Local Government, said the refurbishment had strengthened community morale and reinforced the role of education in long-term socio-economic development.
“Your intervention has not only improved the physical infrastructure, but it has also strengthened the spirit of hope, unity, and pride within our community. By creating a safer and more conducive learning environment, you have empowered our children, reassured our parents, and we have found the value of collective responsibility in community development,” Akinde said.
Zainab Obagun, head of communications, corporate affairs and sustainability at Unilever Nigeria, alongside Tamara Vanndenbor, procurement manager at GEP, said the project was driven by a goal to provide a safer and more conducive learning space, arguing that well-equipped classrooms materially influence pupil motivation and social development.
Yemisi Olugbile, the head teacher, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Unilever Nigeria, noting that the improved facilities will boost pupils’ performance and inspire confidence among parents.
