A global professional services firm, Ernst & Young (EY), has handed over refurbished Physics, Chemistry, and Biology laboratories to Wahab Folawiyo Senior Secondary School, Ikoyi, Lagos, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

The multi-million-naira project, undertaken under the EY Ripples programme, was equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and reagents to facilitate effective learning and practical experiments.

The refurbishment project involved a comprehensive overhaul of the school’s facilities, including renovation of the entire space, improvements to the environment, and provision of the equipment and resources needed for students to excel in their studies.

Talent Leader for EY West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana), Jane Onobhayedo, stated that the EY Ripples project was launched in 2014 and has, so far, supported eight EY-Adopted Schools in the District, including the provision of six science laboratories and two libraries, as well as sick bays in some primary schools.

She noted that the initiative aims to support the Lagos State Government’s efforts to improve education by revamping and refurbishing dilapidated facilities and promoting hygiene practices among students.

Onobhayedo explained that the choice of Wahab Folawiyo Senior Secondary School for the project was made in collaboration with Education District III, which is responsible for Lagos Island public secondary schools. The EY team selected the school after evaluating three options and identifying it as having the most pressing needs.

She emphasised that EY’s purpose is to build a better world and touch the communities around them, particularly the student community, and that the education sector is a key area where the organisation can make a positive impact.

Onobhayedo added that STEM education is crucial for national development, which is why EY has chosen to focus on science laboratory projects.

The Permanent Secretary, Education District III, Olawale Osinaike, praised EY for its contributions to public schools and expressed the state government’s readiness to partner with organisations to improve education. He pledged to ensure the protection and maintenance of the refurbished facilities to prevent deterioration.

The Chief Operating Officer, Oluwabusayo Layade, speaking on behalf of the Country and Cluster Managing Partner (West), Anthony Oputa, stated that the EY Ripples programme would continue, with a focus on providing resources and support to public schools.

He thanked EY staff for their contributions to the programme and emphasised the importance of creating a better learning environment for students.

The Principal of Wahab Folawiyo Senior Secondary School, Abdulaziz Oyetunde, expressed gratitude for the intervention, stating that the refurbished laboratories would greatly enhance the teaching and learning of science education.