Unilever Transforms Nigerian School With Solar Power

Children at a primary school in Elero-Igbesa, Ogun State, are learning in brighter, cleaner spaces thanks to a transformative renovation project completed this February. Unilever Nigeria partnered with GEP to overhaul the local government school with new classroom blocks, modern sanitation facilities, and sustainable solar energy.

The upgraded classrooms now feature proper ventilation and furniture, creating an environment where students can concentrate and thrive. Clean, modern toilets replaced inadequate facilities that had long been a barrier to student attendance and dignity. Solar panels now power the school, introducing renewable energy solutions that will benefit the community for years to come.

The project aligns with Nigeria's push for educational reform and global development goals. Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, Ogun State's Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, praised the initiative as a model for corporate responsibility. He called on other companies to follow Unilever's example in supporting school infrastructure.

Managing Director Tobi Adeniyi emphasized that quality education requires more than just classrooms. "Every child has earned the right to quality education," he said at the handover ceremony. "Beyond the four walls of the classrooms, we must ensure that our children are equipped with an enabling environment that helps them to concentrate, learn, and dream."

The local traditional ruler, Oba Abdul-Azeez Akinde, noted how the project strengthened community pride and hope. By creating safer learning spaces, the company reassured parents and demonstrated the power of collective responsibility. Headmistress Yemisi Olugbile expressed gratitude, noting that the improvements will boost student performance and inspire confidence among families.

The Ripple Effect

This project reaches beyond new paint and solar panels. When children have access to clean toilets, they attend school more regularly, especially girls who previously missed classes during menstruation. Proper lighting and ventilation improve concentration, directly impacting academic performance and future opportunities.

The solar panels also model sustainable solutions for a community that can learn from and replicate clean energy initiatives. Parents see their children valued and invested in, strengthening their commitment to education. Teachers work in dignified spaces that reflect the importance of their role in shaping the next generation.

Unilever's partnership with GEP demonstrates how businesses can create meaningful change through purposeful investments in communities where they operate.

The upgraded school stands as proof that when companies invest in children's potential, entire communities rise together.