In Lagos state, 40 senior secondary students of Lagos Baptist Academy have commenced practical vocational and technical training in carpentry, welding, plumbing and electrical work, under a new skills development initiative supported with a ₦15 million grant. The programme is part of a broader education support intervention funded by the Adepoju Foundation and executed within the framework of the Bunmi Adedayo Foundation Legacy Project, with additional backing from the Phoenix Global Foundation.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, the intervention goes well beyond simple classroom learning, aiming to strengthen education delivery at multiple levels while preparing students for real-world careers. “The donation covers long-term scholarships for selected students, technical and vocational skills training for senior secondary students, sports development initiatives, subject enhancement training for teachers, and recognition awards for outstanding academic and non-academic staff,” the statement said, noting that these combined efforts are focused on improving learning outcomes, encouraging excellence, and equipping both students and educators at the academy for long-term success.”
At the heart of the project is early exposure to practical careers, a component organisers say will help young learners appreciate the value of vocational skills alongside academic study. “Forty senior secondary students are being introduced to vocational and technical pathways, including electrical work, plumbing, welding, and carpentry. This early exposure helps students recognise alternative career options, build confidence in their abilities, and understand the value of practical skills alongside formal education,” the statement added.
The intervention also includes capacity-building support for educators. According to the organisers, more than 30 teachers are benefiting from subject-enhancement programmes designed to “strengthen classroom delivery and reinforce foundational learning,” ensuring that the project’s impact extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries to the wider school community.
Student enrichment is further enhanced through a sports leadership component, which will engage at least 200 students in activities meant to foster teamwork, discipline and leadership. “The programme encourages teamwork and healthy competition, helping students build discipline, confidence, and leadership skills while complementing academic and technical learning and reinforcing character development across the school community,” the statement said.
In addition to system-level components, the project provides direct scholarships to students facing financial hardship, preventing disruption of their education. The statement highlighted the case of Iyanu Famodimu, who lost both parents and now lives with his elder sister. “For him, the scholarship offers stability and the assurance that his education will not be disrupted by circumstances beyond his control,” organisers said. Another beneficiary, JSS1 student Oluwayowa Adaralegbe, from a modest household, was praised for maintaining her schooling with the relief provided by the grant. “The scholarship relieves financial pressure on the home and allows Oluwayowa to remain engaged in school with confidence and consistency,” the statement added.
The organisers emphasised that the Adepoju Foundation Legacy Project illustrates how long-term, holistic education support delivered through partnerships can empower students, enrich schooling experiences, and stimulate stronger learning outcomes. The foundation reiterated its openness to partnering with individuals and organisations that share its vision, noting that expanded collaboration could benefit more schools and students.
