In a commendable collaboration aimed at promoting inclusive and equitable access to education, OPay Digital Services has teamed up with Brace-Up The Young Foundation to launch a transformative back-to-school initiative. The outreach’s first phase took place recently at Government College, Ibadan (GCI), while phase two is scheduled for September 2025.
What’s on offer? Over 650 secondary school pupils drawn from various schools across Oyo State benefited from a generous distribution of essential educational materials. From textbooks and school bags to stationery, the gesture was not merely a handout—but a deliberate effort to open doors of opportunity for young learners, regardless of their background.
Itoro Udo, the CSR Manager at OPay, emphasised that “real impact begins with the child.” She explained that gifting school bags or books goes beyond charity; it’s about equipping children with tools that pave the way for academic achievement and brighter futures.
Representing the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, S.O. Oladokun delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Commissioner. He expressed appreciation for the foundation’s steadfast contributions toward educational development, noting that the initiative aligns with the ministry’s overarching goal: ensuring every child across Oyo has a chance at quality education
Obasanjo Fajemirokun, founder of Brace-Up The Young Foundation, reaffirmed their mission to support learners from underserved communities. He thanked OPay for its partnership, stressing that education remains one of the most formidable tools for societal transformation. “Our mission is to level the playing field for children who might otherwise be left behind,” he declared, also confirming that phase two of the project will unfold in September 2025
Table of Contents
Creating a Vibrant Environment of Learning, Culture, and Hope
The event wasn’t just a material giveaway—it was a celebration of culture, creativity, and collective hope. Students enjoyed cultural displays, spoken-word performances, and traditional Ewi recitals, all staged to light up the atmosphere and reinforce a sense of pride and inclusion
Beneficiaries from schools such as GCI, Queens School Ibadan, IMG High School (Apata), Apata Community Grammar School, African Church Grammar School (Apata), and Adifase High School all expressed heartfelt appreciation. Many shared that the school supplies would serve as motivation to return to school with renewed zest and ambition
Partnership That Translates Into Long-Term Impact
The alliance between OPay and Brace-Up The Young Foundation represents a growing trend in corporate Nigeria: purposeful partnerships that deliver tangible, long-lasting impact. By pooling expertise and resources, OPay brings logistical strength and corporate backing, while the foundation offers grassroots reach and a deep understanding of community needs.
This synergy ensures that projects like this are not fleeting but are tailored for sustained upliftment. As Fajemirokun asserted, the foundation will “continue working in communities to positively impact lives,” reinforcing that this initiative is part of a longer journey toward educational inclusivity.
The choice of Government College Ibadan for phase one is equally strategic—GCI stands as a landmark institution in the state, making it a perfect backdrop to highlight Oyo’s educational heritage and the need to preserve it through support and innovation.
Looking Ahead: Broadening the Path to Educational Equity
With phase one successfully concluded and phase two slated for September 2025, the initiative is already shaping up to be more than a one-off event—it’s an evolving movement. As families and students prepare for the new academic session, the impact of this partnership will undoubtedly reverberate across classrooms and communities.
Beyond the immediate benefit of school supplies, the initiative sends a broader message: that inclusive education is not just a government obligation, but a shared societal asset. When firms and foundations align to support children, the returns—both human and economic—are immense.
By spotlighting youth development, instilling hope, and empowering underserved learners, this project helps to sow the seeds of future leaders, innovators, and change-makers across Oyo State.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
READ THE LATEST EDUCATION NEWS
