Lafarge partners Ogun govt to curb mass failure in Mathematics

In an effort to support students in its host communities and address perennial failure in Mathematics and other core Science subjects, Lafarge Africa PLC has begun a Mathematics Masterclass for Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3 students in both public and private schools in Ewekoro and Sagamu, Ogun State, where its manufacturing plants are located.

The company stated that the project was established in partnership with the state government as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

The aim is to enhance its education portfolio by teaching and training SSS 3 students in Mathematics and other core Sciences.

Speaking at separate events held in Sagamu and Ewekoro, Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa PLC, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, stated that the focus was on Mathematics because it is a fundamental subject that connects science and humanity. This, he said, was a major reason Lafarge is investing in helping students pursue their careers.

Alade-Akinyemi, represented by Oluyemi Bakare, the Communication and Public Affairs Manager, noted that the Mathematics Masterclass would not be a one-off project but a continuous programme to enhance the academic performance of students in Lafarge Africa’s host communities across the country.

He said: “Today marks the beginning of an impactful journey that will shape the future of many young minds here in Sagamu, Ewekoro, and beyond.

“Lafarge has always been dedicated not only to infrastructure development but also to the educational growth of the communities in which we operate.

“Our commitment is to create a lasting impact in the lives of students in our host communities, starting here in Sagamu and Ewekoro. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education and the resources needed for success.

“With this in mind, we are excited to launch our Mathematics Intervention Programme in partnership with the Ogun State Ministry of Education. This initiative is designed to empower students, support their preparation for WAEC exams, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

“Our goal is not just to donate textbooks or conduct one-time events but to create sustainable value for the community. This year, the programme will kick off in Sagamu, followed by Ewekoro. Next year, we will expand our focus to our communities in Ashaka (Gombe) and Mfamosing (Calabar).

“We believe that education is the bedrock of any society. If you want any society to develop, you must invest in educating the young ones so they will be better for themselves and bring a better future for the community. That is why we are focusing on the communities where we are operating; we have been doing it, and we will keep doing it.

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“Mathematics is one fundamental subject that unites humanity and sciences. That is why we are investing in helping students in that aspect. What we have done is to support a publication put together by an experienced tutor, Engr. Obinaike. It is a book that has a compilation of WAEC past questions from 1998-2024, and he is also taking them in the masterclass.

“The books contain questions and answers. We have produced 2,000 copies to distribute to students in Sagamu and Ewekoro. Our expectation is to see improvement in students’ performance in Mathematics, especially in WAEC, because we have carried out a needs assessment and identified that area as deficient. That is why we are starting with Mathematics.”

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Focus Teens Foundation, Olaonipekun Kazeem, a consultant to Lafarge Africa PLC on the Mathematics Masterclass Project, explained that the intention is to ensure that SSS 3 students excel in Mathematics and other core Science subjects ahead of WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations.

Representing the state Commissioner of Education, Science, and Technology, Zonal Education Officer for Sagamu, Dora Efunshile, commended Lafarge Africa PLC for supporting such a laudable initiative and called for more partnerships in the area of educational development.