Dangote Cement Enhances Education With Multi-Million Naira Donation

This initiative is part of the company’s broader social investment strategy aimed at complementing the government’s efforts to provide quality and sustainable education, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The donation, warmly received by teachers and students, includes 100 dual school desks for Ilado Community Junior High School and Wahab Folawiyo Senior High School. In addition, Government Senior Secondary School, Ikoyi, benefited from a refurbished, fully equipped chemistry laboratory, while Government Junior Secondary School, Ikoyi, received reading tables, chairs, and bookshelves for its library. At Falomo Junior High School and Ireti Senior Grammar School, Dangote Cement donated 20 brand-new desktop computers to boost their ICT programs.

At the handover ceremony held at Government Junior College, Ikoyi, Dangote Cement’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Arvind Pathak, emphasized the company’s dedication to social investment. He noted that Dangote Cement’s contributions in education are aimed at empowering the youth and contributing to the country’s economic growth. The company recognizes that education is not solely the responsibility of the government and seeks to partner in enhancing local educational development.

Mr. Pathak’s address was delivered by Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement. “Education is critical to societal development, personal growth, and national progress,” Olayiwola stated. “Our goal is to support the government in making education accessible and of high quality.”

This donation is part of Dangote Cement’s 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, which selects projects based on needs assessments in collaboration with local schools. The company has also launched several social investment initiatives across Nigeria, including in Ogun, Kogi, Benue, and Edo states, as well as its Pan-African operations, with a focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.

The Lagos State Ministry of Education, represented by Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, Tutor General and Permanent Secretary, Education District 3, expressed gratitude for Dangote Cement’s continued support. “We look forward to more collaborations that will continue to positively impact our educational sector,” she said.

Principals of the recipient schools also expressed their gratitude, with Mrs. Odunlami Olubunmi, Principal of Ilado Community Junior High School, highlighting the positive impact of the new desks on students’ learning environments. Bamidele Ayotunde, Principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Ikoyi, praised the refurbished chemistry laboratory, while the Principal of Ireti Senior Grammar School expressed excitement about the new computers and hoped for continued support.

Students also shared their appreciation. Abiola Jamaudeen, a lab prefect, assured that the newly renovated chemistry laboratory would be well-maintained and fully utilized, while Lawal Rumayzo Abdulsalam, a student at Government Senior College, Ikoyi, noted that the new library equipment would foster better reading habits.

This initiative by Dangote Cement not only supports the local community but also sets a powerful example for corporate responsibility in driving educational development. The company’s ongoing efforts show its commitment to creating sustainable growth and opportunity for future generations.

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By Lekan Olofinsusi