In a determined push to uplift the quality of science education in Lagos public schools, EY Ripples has launched a comprehensive programme that is changing the way students learn and engage with science. The initiative is part of a broader effort to boost learning outcomes, equip schools with modern infrastructure, and inspire young minds to embrace science and technology as a pathway to future success.
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A Renewed Focus on Hands-On Science Learning
Wahab Folawiyo Senior Secondary School, Ikoyi, recently became the latest beneficiary of EY Ripples’ commitment to education when the organisation unveiled newly renovated science laboratories. The upgrades included fully fitted Chemistry, Physics and Biology labs, complete with seating, equipment and lab coats designed to support practical learning. Before this intervention, students had limited access to functional science facilities, a situation common across many public schools in Nigeria.
The science education landscape in Nigeria faces a serious challenge. Millions of children who are enrolled in school still struggle with basic literacy and numeracy, and poor infrastructure is considered a major factor hindering academic success. This stark reality has prompted collaborations between private organisations and educational institutions to provide the resources that many schools lack.
For Jane Onobhayedo, talent leader at EY Ripples West Africa, the programme is about more than building or refurbishing labs. It is about giving students the tools and environment they need to thrive. She emphasised the vital role science plays in the global economy and why practical exposure is essential for students. According to her, the choice to invest in laboratories was guided by the need to make learning meaningful and relevant.
Partnerships That Strengthen Public Education
EY Ripples works in close partnership with Education District Three of Lagos State, and the efforts have won praise from educational leaders. Osinaike Olawale, tutor-general and permanent secretary in the district, commended the organisation and assured that the government will take responsibility for maintaining the new facilities. This promise reflects a shared vision between public authorities and the private sector to build sustainable educational development.
School leaders have also expressed their appreciation for the improvements. Principal Oyetunde Aziz of Wahab Folawiyo Senior Secondary School said that the revitalised science labs have brought joy and optimism to the school community. With the 2026 WASSCE approaching, he believes the practical facilities will significantly help students prepare and perform well in science subjects. Teachers have reportedly set ambitious goals for students’ results, saying the improved resources will raise both motivation and academic performance.
Beyond laboratory refurbishment, EY Ripples’ involvement extends to student support through tutoring programmes. Staff volunteers dedicate personal time to mentor learners, reinforcing classroom lessons and offering additional guidance to help students excel in their studies. This human touch is a defining feature of the programme, highlighting the importance of community involvement in education.
Building a Better Foundation for Future Leaders
Oluwabusiayo Layade, Chief Operating Officer at EY Nigeria, reiterated that the company sees education as a long-term priority. She stated that providing quality learning environments builds confidence in students and lays the groundwork for future success. According to Layade, giving students access to proper facilities and resources not only improves test results but also fosters good citizenship and societal contribution.
Since its launch in 2014, EY Ripples has supported eight schools within Lagos’ Education District Three, including Eko Akete Senior Secondary School, Victoria Island Senior Secondary School, Dolphin Senior Secondary School and Wahab Folawiyo Senior Secondary School. These interventions have ranged from science laboratory upgrades to improvements in basic amenities such as sick bays and water treatment systems.
An additional component of the programme is the Next Generation Initiative, which targets female students. This initiative focuses on personal development, hygiene, and confidence building, addressing aspects of school life that traditional academic interventions often overlook. By empowering girls with both knowledge and life skills, EY Ripples seeks to nurture well-rounded individuals ready to face future challenges.
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Education System
Improving science education in public schools is vital for Nigeria’s long-term growth. Access to functional laboratories and supportive learning environments equips students with the skills needed in the 21st century workforce. Initiatives like EY Ripples help fill gaps left by limited public funding and infrastructure constraints.
By fostering partnerships with government bodies, private organisations, and school communities, this programme is helping to reframe science education as not only a subject to study but also a lived experience that can ignite curiosity and innovation. For students in Lagos public schools, the impact is both immediate and far-reaching: better tools for learning today, and greater opportunities tomorrow.
As more schools benefit from similar collaborations, there is hope that the cycle of under-resourced classrooms will break. The combination of modern facilities, dedicated mentorship, and community engagement could set a new standard for public education across Nigeria.
Conclusion
The EY Ripples programme in Lagos is an example of how targeted interventions can transform learning environments and uplift academic outcomes. Through refurbished laboratories, hands-on learning, and sustained support for students and teachers, the initiative is helping to bridge gaps in science education. With continued collaboration and commitment, there is every reason to believe that more students will discover the wonder of science and the opportunities it can unlock.
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