IPSOS Nigeria, Preston Development Foundation Renovate Classrooms at LEA Galadimawa

The commitment to the principle that education is a collective responsibility was demonstrated as IPSOS Nigeria, in partnership with Preston Development Foundation, renovated a block of three classrooms and provided desks for pupils at LEA Primary School Galadimawa, Abuja.

Speaking during the project handover, the Executive Director of Preston Development Foundation, Mrs. Abimbola Daramola, explained that the intervention was part of the organisation’s broader commitment to improving access to quality education. She noted that the foundation’s impact extends beyond LEA Galadimawa, revealing that over 250 school bags were distributed to students at Junior Secondary School Mabuchi and JSS Kado-Kuchi, alongside other learning materials and furniture.

According to her, the renovation project goes beyond rebuilding physical structures. “By building this structure, we are telling each child here that he or she matters, and so do their dreams,” she said, stressing that meaningful transformation in education requires collaboration. She appreciated the Acting Executive Chairman of the Board for the strong alignment and partnership and urged the pupils to make good use of the facilities provided.

In her remarks, the Country Manager of IPSOS Nigeria, Mrs. Ibitayo Salami, stated that IPSOS operates in 90 countries worldwide and remains committed to giving back to communities where it operates. She recounted how the organisation was moved to act after observing the dilapidated condition of the classrooms during a visit to the school.

Mrs. Salami said the company is determined to maintain a cordial relationship with the community in order to identify further areas where it can add value. “We are here not only to see what has been done but also to explore what more can be done,” she added.

The Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, Lady Florence Wenegieme, commended the NGOs for their timely intervention. Representing the FCT Minister and the Federal Capital Territory Administration, she described the renovation as a significant boost to the Board’s efforts to return out-of-school children to the classroom.

She emphasized that learning is a continuous process that includes adult learners and appealed to the organisation to consider further support. Noting that government cannot shoulder the responsibility alone, she urged community stakeholders, including the PTA and traditional leaders, to take ownership of the project and ensure its sustainability.

Earlier, the Headteacher of LEA Primary School, Galadimawa, Mrs. Rachael Aina Kehinde, expressed appreciation to the organisation for creating a more conducive learning environment. She also congratulated the Acting Executive Chairman on her appointment.

A highlight of the event was a speech delivered by Master Mohammed, a Primary Three pupil, who thanked the NGOs for their generosity and said the renovated classrooms have renewed the pupils’ enthusiasm for school.

The programme featured the symbolic presentation of knapsack school bags to learners by the partnering organisations. Board management members, the traditional ruler of Galadimawa, and the school’s PTA Chairman were among dignitaries present at the event.