NJFP Abia State Chapter Donates Learning Materials to Migrant Farmers School, Renews Hope for Rural Education

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), Abia State Cluster 3, has donated chairs, tables, whiteboards, markers and duster to pupils of Migrant Farmers Nursery and Primary School, Aroayama Ndioru, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, as part of its community development initiative.

The donation, carried out in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is aimed at improving the learning environment for pupils of the rural school. Abia State Cluster 3 of the programme comprises Ikwuano, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Arochukwu and Isuikwuato Local Government Areas.

Speaking during the presentation, the Abia State Coordinator of NJFP, Mr. Matthew Ayantola, said community development remains the core mandate of the programme, which is funded by the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

According to him, the fellows identify the needs of communities and contribute their quota toward addressing them.

“We look at our communities, identify their needs, and in our own little way contribute to solving those needs,” he said.

Ayantola disclosed that after assessing several schools, the fellows selected Migrant Farmers Nursery and Primary School because of its poor state and urgent need for intervention.

He further explained that the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme was established to equip young graduates with employable skills and practical experience in their chosen fields while encouraging community service.

In his remarks, the Education Secretary of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Dr. Paul Udensi, commended NJFP for its thoughtful gesture, describing the donation as timely and impactful.

Dr Paul Udensi Education Secretary Ikwuano Local Government

He noted that Ikwuano has over 135 public schools and said the administration of Governor Alex Otti has continued to provide furniture and renovate schools across the state. He described the governor as education-friendly and praised his efforts in improving the education sector.

Pupils enjoying their classroom with new chairs,desk and white board

Dr. Udensi recalled that many schools in the local government were in a deplorable condition when he assumed office and appealed to philanthropists, corporate organizations and non-governmental organizations to support the government in improving educational infrastructure.

He further revealed that the state government has been informed about the condition of Migrant Farmers Nursery and Primary School and assured the community that renovation of the school would commence soon. He also announced that Ndioru Community would have a Junior Secondary School by September, following government approval.

The President-General of Aroayama Ndioru Community, Evangelist Ekperewechi Okoro, expressed appreciation to NJFP for its generosity toward the school and the community.

He explained that although the school was established by the local government, the community has largely sustained it over the years despite numerous challenges. He appealed to other non-governmental organizations and well-meaning individuals to emulate NJFP by supporting the school, while also urging the Abia State Government to undertake comprehensive renovation of the facility.

Also speaking, the Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Nwamaka Jonathan, expressed profound gratitude to NJFP for the donation, describing it as a timely intervention.

According to her, before the donation many pupils sat on mats during lessons due to the lack of desks and chairs.

“This generous gesture came at a time when we were in dire need. Our pupils used mats for learning, but your donation of chairs and tables has made the learning environment more conducive. This is a huge investment in the future of these children, and we assure you that the items will be properly maintained,” she said.

Mrs. Jonathan also appealed to the Abia State Government and other well-meaning individuals to assist the school in addressing its numerous challenges, including leaking roofs, unplastered classroom walls, inadequate textbooks and syllabuses, and dilapidated classroom structures.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Community, Mazi Godwin Uchechukwu Okorie; the Community Secretary-General, Mazi Nwankwo Inyama; the representative of the Village Head, Mazi Chibuike Chikatara; as well as other community leaders and youths.

The ceremony ended on a cheerful note as excited pupils entertained guests with a colourful welcome address drawing applause from everyone in attendance.