Sterling One Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming education in Nigeria by empowering educators with inclusive and technology-driven education systems. As the world embraces artificial intelligence (AI) in learning, the foundation aligns with this year’s International Day of Education theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” emphasizing the responsible integration of technology to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
With Nigeria’s out-of-school children rising to 18.3 million, according to UNICEF, Sterling One Foundation has been actively addressing education challenges. In 2024 alone, the foundation reached over 20,000 individuals through various initiatives. Its Early Child Learning Advancement Project (E-CLAP) significantly improved foundational literacy and numeracy for over 2,000 children in underserved communities across Kano, Lagos, Borno, and Oyo states, leveraging modern teaching tools and community-driven engagement.
In the Northeast, where secondary and tertiary education enrollment remains low, the foundation partnered with the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) to implement the Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP). Additionally, in partnership with CDIAL AI, the foundation launched the Indigenous Multilingual Digital Literacy & AI Hub in Lagos, empowering 174 learners with AI-powered digital literacy tools in 13 African languages, ensuring education remains accessible and inclusive.
CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, emphasized the urgent need to integrate technology while preserving human agency in education. “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, requires accelerating efforts to bridge systemic gaps. By empowering educators and students with innovative tools and fostering collaboration, we are building a future where quality education drives sustainable development and leaves no one behind,” she stated. Through strategic partnerships and scalable solutions, the foundation continues to drive inclusive policies and innovations to enhance equitable access to quality education across Nigeria and Africa.