By Peace Udugba
The learning environment at Iwerekun Junior Secondary School, Lakowe, has witnessed a remarkable transformation following improved access to digital tools and facilities provided through the MTN Foundation’s What Can We Do Together (WCWDT) initiative.
The school, which has a student population of over 2,000, including more than 400 students in technical classes, had long struggled with inadequate ICT facilities before becoming one of the beneficiaries of the initiative. In response to the school’s needs, the MTN Foundation renovated its ICT laboratory into a modern, fully equipped facility aimed at enhancing digital learning and improving students’ access to technology.
According to data from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), more than eight million students are enrolled in junior secondary schools across Nigeria, compared to only 416,291 teachers, highlighting the growing need for improved learning facilities and technology-driven educational support.
Since the upgrade of the ICT laboratory, students of Iwerekun Junior Secondary School have experienced a more engaging and practical learning environment, enabling them to learn, explore and develop confidence in using digital technology.
The school’s Principal, Mr. Azeez Olatunji Fatai, said the impact of the project became evident almost immediately after the installation of the facility.
“Since the installation of the ICT lab, we have seen significant improvements amongst students,” he said. “Our students now have access to digital tools and learning resources that were previously unavailable, and their confidence in using technology has improved greatly.”
The renewed exposure to digital learning is also beginning to reflect in the school’s academic and extracurricular performance. Recently, the school emerged winner of an inter-school competition, a feat many within the school community attribute to the increased access to learning resources and improved student engagement.
Teachers at the school also noted that students now show greater enthusiasm during lessons and are more willing to participate in practical exercises and extracurricular activities.
Beyond classroom learning, the ICT laboratory has strengthened the school’s focus on practical and skill-based education. Since November, students have participated in more structured digital learning sessions, while others have gained additional exposure through extracurricular programmes designed to improve their digital and technical skills.
For the MTN Foundation, the development reflects the broader objectives of the What Can We Do Together initiative, which focuses on addressing critical gaps in education and community infrastructure across Nigeria.
As nominations open for Phase 6 of the initiative, the Foundation has called on Nigerians to nominate deserving schools and communities for the opportunity to benefit from upgraded science laboratories and primary healthcare centres, with the goal of expanding access to quality education and development opportunities nationwide.
