Get Guardian on GoogleAn educational institution, Equity Learning Academy (ELA), has unveiled Nigeria’s first tuition-free digital academy, powered by technology, as part of efforts to reshape education delivery for the country’s most vulnerable children in Ewatto, a rural community in Esan South-East Local Council Area of Edo State.
The model demonstrates how private sector innovation can bridge educational gaps across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. By combining free access with cutting-edge digital tools, the academy sets a blueprint for transformative education reaching underserved communities, potentially sparking a nationwide movement redefining 21st-century rural education access.
The founder, Dr Friday Airhia, and his wife, Prof. Bosede Airhia, as co-founder, said that with the innovation, every child from kindergarten to basic one receives lessons tailored to their learning pace.
Established through Shekinah Mentors International Initiative with donor support, the founders emphasised the need for continued backing to expand the project.
According to them, the academy operates on solar power, ensuring constant electricity for computers, projectors, and audio-visual learning aids. Besides, they noted that a 24-hour wi-fi connects students to global resources, while recreational facilities encourage holistic development. Clean water, free daily meals, free uniforms, textbooks and backpacks, as well as modern classrooms, a fully stocked digital Library and IT-trained teachers create a nurturing learning environment.
Airhia noted that with more partners, the model can be replicated in other rural communities and give more children fair access to quality education.
Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, who presided over the official launch, described the initiative as an innovation that complements the government’s mission of universal quality education. As Nigeria addresses systemic educational challenges, ELA proves that innovation, technology, and philanthropy can deliver life-changing results.
