In a move to enhance the quality of education in Oyo State, two Japanese companies, Kawasho Foods Trade Corporation and JFE Shoji Corporation, have donated educational materials to ten public primary schools across the state.
The donated items include 11,000 exercise books, 360 desks and benches, and 150 cartons of canned food products. These materials were distributed among select schools across the three senatorial districts of Oyo.
At an official handover ceremony held in Ibadan, the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, expressed appreciation for the companies’ contributions to the state’s educational sector.
He acknowledged that the donation would support the government’s drive to improve education quality, especially at the foundational level.
Commending the donation, Dr. Adeniran stated, “The furniture will improve the pupils’ sitting posture and convenience, while the exercise books will provide writing materials for the pupils, particularly the indigent ones, which would improve their academic performance.”
He noted that the contribution is a commendable example of corporate responsibility and urged other multinational companies to emulate the gesture.
Dr. Adeniran further highlighted that the donation aligns with the state’s recent educational initiatives, including the recruitment of 7,000 new teachers approved by the governor to address staffing gaps caused by retirements and other factors.
He also encouraged teachers in the beneficiary schools to dedicate themselves to their roles, ensuring the benefits of the donation are evident in the students’ performance.
“I enjoin the teachers of the beneficiary schools to reciprocate this good gesture of the Corporation by remaining diligent and dedicated to their duties so that the effect will show or manifest sooner than later,” he said.
The Africa representative of JFE Shoji Corporation, Mr. Murata Kotaro, shared insights into the companies’ ongoing commitment to supporting Nigerian education since 2011, revealing that they have extended their educational initiatives to over 15 states across the country.
“Provision of notebooks, desks, and benches each year is to support children’s education, and Geisha canned foods are donated to support the pupils’ diets,” Mr. Kotaro explained.
He emphasized that the choice of Oyo State for the 2024 donation was a gesture of appreciation to the state’s consumers for their support of the Geisha brand.
“It is in line with our corporate social responsibility that, this year in 2024, we officially donate these educational materials of 360 sets of desks and chairs, 11,000 copies of Geisha branded notebooks, and 150 cartons of Geisha mackerel products to the selected beneficiary schools chosen by the Oyo State school Board,” Mr. Kotaro stated.
Attendees at the event included the Executive Secretary of OYOSUBEB, Mrs. Olaide Ladipo, Education Secretaries, board management, and the country representative of Kawasho Foods, Mr. Agboifo Henry.
Beneficiary Schools:
The selected beneficiary schools included:
F.O.A. Primary School II, Ode-Aje, Ibadan North-East Local Government
Salvation Army Primary School, Yemetu Barracks, Ibadan North Local Government
Sacred Heart Primary School, Oke-Ayo, Odo-Ona, Ibadan South-West Local Government
Baptist Primary School I, Sango, Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government
L.A. Primary School, Saabo, Oyo, Atiba Local Government
Community Primary School, Tose, Moniya, Ibadan, Akinyele Local Government
Christ Anglican Basic School II, Amuloko, Ibadan, Ona-Ara Local Government
Nybrosis Basic School, Oke-Teje, Kishi, Irepo Local Government
Community Primary School, Surulere, Saki, Saki West Local Government
Saja Basic School II, Owode, Ogbomoso North Local Government
The initiative is expected to enhance educational access and the learning experience for students across these schools, contributing to a more conducive learning environment.
