Implements 87 projects in 121 schools across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states

Teach for Nigeria (TFN), a non-profit organisation focused on improving foundational learning outcomes and expanding life opportunities for low-income children across Nigeria, recently graduated its fifth cohort of 197 outstanding change makers. 
 
The 2023 graduating class implemented 87 “Be The Change” projects, aimed at addressing some of the challenges affecting quality education delivery in their schools and communities.
  
The graduation ceremony, which took place in Lekki, Lagos State, had policymakers, industry experts, partners, alumni, and stakeholders in attendance. They included Frank Nweke, Chairman of ONTV Nigeria Limited, Lai Koiki, Chairman of Greensprings Educational Services Limited, Joshua Olalekan Ifede, Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) Chairman, Prof. Abayomi Arigbagbu, a former Commissioner for Education and Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor, among others.
  
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of TFN, Folawe Omikunle, expressed her gratitude to the graduating class for their commitment to various community development projects.
   
Omikunle noted that through the projects, they have tackled educational challenges, fought for equity, protected the environment, promoted peace, ignited creativity, and fostered innovation for a more sustainable future.
  
While reacting to TFN’s impact in improving foundational literacy and numeracy, Omikunle disclosed that their students made between two to three months of additional learning gains in literacy, and two to five months in numeracy compared to other students.
 
Nweke lamented the quality of education in the country, but expressed optimism in TFN’s Fellowship programme and its potential to address educational inequity challenges.   
   
“The template created here at Teach for Nigeria clearly showed that transforming Nigeria’s education is possible under purposeful leadership.”
Susan Benjamin, a graduating fellow, while recounting her fellowship experience, said: “Through the Teach for Nigeria Fellowship, I have enhanced my leadership skills by implementing various projects in my placement community. I am now an ambassador for social emotional learning. She added that the skills and opportunities she was exposed to have helped in rediscovering her sense of purpose.
  
“I remain dedicated to becoming a driving force for positive change in the African education sector.” The graduating cohort served in 121 schools across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states, impacting over 50,000 students in underserved communities. Graduating fellows without any teaching qualification pursued a Professional Diploma in Education at Teach for Nigeria partner school, Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology Omu – Ajose, formerly Tai Solarin College of Education, through a fully-funded scholarship. They were inducted into the teaching profession by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) before the end of their fellowship.
  
The 2021 cohort will join the Teach for Nigeria 641 alumni network and continue to deepen their impact on Nigeria’s education based on their deeper understanding of the systemic issues affecting education equity and excellence in Nigeria.