Get Guardian on GoogleIn response to Nigeria’s growing literacy crisis, Standard Bearers School (SBS) and the iAfrica Cloud School Foundation have launched a free phonics and literacy programme, EduLab 360. The initiative, set to be available on YouTube from August 1, 2025, aims to provide accessible, high-quality education for children and adults across the country.
EduLab 360 was officially unveiled during Waloyo: The Musical Voyage, a vibrant showcase of music and education held at Alliance Française, Lagos. Speaking at the event, SBS founder Modupe Adeyinka-Oni described the programme as a “gift to Nigeria” and a major step toward closing the country’s educational gap.
“We believe in Nigeria, and we believe every child should have access to quality education,” Adeyinka-Oni said. “That’s why we started the iAfrica Cloud School Foundation — to bridge the education gap and show what’s possible when we invest in our children.”
The programme is designed to teach learners of all ages how to read, write, and communicate effectively within nine months, entirely free of charge. Adeyinka-Oni stressed that EduLab 360 is not just for children but also for adults, second-chance learners, and underserved communities.
“All you need is a laptop or smartphone. Gather learners in a cluster, play the videos, and in nine months, they’ll be reading,” she explained. “We want to eliminate gatekeepers and empower women in places like Makoko. We want to reduce the number of beggars. This is how we start — through literacy.”
Highlighting SBS’s inclusive model, Adeyinka-Oni noted that several children who performed at the event have special needs. “At Standard Bearers School, you wouldn’t believe that some of today’s performers have special needs. That’s how inclusive we are. We build children for life.”
In addition to empowering learners, EduLab 360 is also designed as a training tool for teachers, who can model lessons from the expert educators featured in the videos. The foundation plans to expand the platform to include foundational numeracy and eventually a full K–12 curriculum.
“So far, we’ve self-funded everything. But we welcome partners — NGOs, individuals, government agencies — who see the value in this and want to help transform Nigeria,” she said. She also called on the government to promote the programme in schools, noting that many people have smartphones but don’t realise they can use them to learn.
Expressing hope for a measurable impact, Adeyinka-Oni said, “In five years, we hope EduLab 360 will have reduced illiteracy in Nigeria by at least 30 per cent. The problem of Nigeria today is not just the government’s. It’s all of us. And we all need to get involved if we want to make Nigeria great again.”
The launch marked a significant moment in grassroots-driven education reform, placing powerful learning tools directly in the hands of the people with the goal of unlocking a brighter future.
The musical event also featured spirited student performances, including choral arrangements and solos. The theme song, Waloyo — meaning “upliftment” — carried messages of hope and transformation throughout the evening.
Performances included Order My Steps, I Need an Angel, Don’t Worry, Be Happy, and Eye Adaba — a stirring solo by Tiwa Olaniyan, about freedom and self-belief. “Eye Adaba is about flying high and achieving our dreams,” she said. “SBS has helped me become creative and confident. I now believe I’m a leader of my own.”
Eleven-year-old Shalom Nubi also shared her journey: “Today was one of the best days of my life. When I came to SBS, I couldn’t speak in front of people. Now I stood on stage and sang. I’m so proud.”
Visibly moved by the performances, veteran artist and guest celebrity Yinka Davies praised the initiative. “These children own the show. They are the stars. Their delivery, pitch, and clarity were amazing. What Standard Bearers is doing here is inspiring. We must all do our part.”
