There’s a moment every teacher knows. A question hangs in the air, and somewhere in the room, a child’s hand shoots up, eager, certain, alive with the thrill of knowing something. It’s a small moment. But it means everything.

Now imagine a child who never gets that moment.

Not because they’re not smart enough. Not because they don’t care. But simply because they were never in the room.

Across Nigeria and beyond, millions of children wake up every morning without a school to go to. Not millions in the abstract, not millions as a statistic scrolling past on your phone,  millions of real children with real names, real dreams, and real potential that the world is quietly allowing to go to waste.

At IA-Foundation, we refuse to accept that.

 

The Out-of-School Crisis: What the Numbers Don’t Tell You

Nigeria is home to the largest population of out-of-school children in the world, over 10 million, by the most conservative estimates. That figure is staggering. But numbers have a way of numbing us.

What the numbers don’t tell you is what it looks like on the ground.

It looks like a 9-year-old girl named Amaka, who helps her mother sell tomatoes at the market each morning because the family can’t afford both food and school fees. She’s quick with sums, she can calculate change faster than most adults,  but nobody in her world has ever told her that this makes her good at mathematics.

It looks like a 12-year-old boy in a rural community two hours from the nearest secondary school, who has already accepted that education simply isn’t something that happens to people like him.

It looks like potential, quietly dimming.

 

Why Children Fall Out of School — And Why It’s Not Their Fault

When people think about out-of-school children, they often assume something went wrong, that a child dropped out, gave up, or fell behind. The truth is far more complicated, and far less fair.

Children leave school, or never enter it, for reasons that have everything to do with circumstance and nothing to do with character.

Poverty is the most obvious driver. When a family is choosing between school fees and dinner, dinner wins. It has to. But poverty isn’t the only force at work. Distance matters, communities without nearby schools see attendance collapse, especially for girls. Safety matters, families in conflict-affected areas pull children home to keep them alive. Early marriage, child labour, disability, and the simple absence of functioning school infrastructure all play a role.

These aren’t excuses. They’re realities. And addressing them requires more than goodwill, it requires strategy, presence, and sustained commitment.

 

What IA-Foundation Actually Does

We don’t just talk about the crisis. We work inside it.

IA-Foundation operates at the intersection of community trust and systemic change. We work directly with families, local leaders, and the children themselves to understand why a child is out of school, and then we do something about it.

That might mean providing financial support so that school fees are no longer a barrier. It might mean working with a community to address the cultural or logistical factors keeping girls at home. It might mean connecting a child with an alternative learning pathway when the traditional school system has failed them.

Every child’s situation is different. That’s why we don’t do one-size-fits-all.

What we do, always, is show up.

 

Education Is Not a Privilege. It’s a Right.

There’s a version of this conversation where education gets framed as a gift , something fortunate children receive, something charitable organisations bestow. We reject that framing entirely.

Education is a right. It’s enshrined in international law. It’s the foundation of every other right a child will exercise for the rest of their life. When a child doesn’t go to school, they’re not missing out on a privilege. They’re being denied something they are owed.

Reclaiming that right, fighting for it, funding it, building the structures that protect it, is not optional. It’s urgent.

 

The Ripple Effect Nobody Talks About

Here’s something worth sitting with: when you help one child return to school, the benefits don’t stop with that child.

Studies consistently show that educated children go on to raise healthier, better-educated families of their own. Communities with higher school enrolment see lower rates of poverty, better health outcomes, and greater civic participation. An educated girl, in particular, becomes a force multiplier for change in her community.

The child who gets to raise their hand in class today is the mother, engineer, teacher, or leader who transforms her community tomorrow.

That’s not sentiment. That’s evidence.

 

Here’s How You Can Help

IA-Foundation is powered by people who believe that every child deserves a chance. If that’s you, here’s where you come in:

• Share this post. Awareness is the first step. Every share brings more eyes to a crisis that doesn’t get enough attention.
• Your contribution, whatever its size, goes directly toward getting children back into education. No child should be out of school because of money.
• Whether you have skills in education, communications, fundraising, or community outreach, we want to hear from you.
• Talk to your networks. Ask questions. Demand better. Governments and institutions respond to pressure from informed, engaged citizens.

 

A Final Word

Amaka is still at the market. For now.

But she doesn’t have to stay there. Not if enough people decide that her potential matters,  that her future is worth fighting for, worth funding, worth showing up for.

At IA-Foundation, we’ve already decided. We hope you’ll join us.

IA-Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to getting out-of-school children back into education. Learn more about our work or get involved at http://www.ia-foundation.org

Amara is nine years old. She wakes before sunrise every morning, helps her mother fetch water, then spends her day minding her younger siblings while the school bell rings somewhere in the distance. She can write her name,  just about, and count to twenty. But Amara has never sat in a classroom. She has never held a report card or solved a maths problem on a chalkboard.

Amara is not a statistic. But she is part of one,  and it’s a statistic the world keeps trying to look away from.

250M+

Children worldwide currently out of school

~60%

Are girls, disproportionately affected across Sub-Saharan Africa

1 in 5

Children of primary-school age in developing regions never enrol at all

These numbers are enormous. And when numbers get enormous, they stop feeling real. They become policy language, donor reports, footnotes in speeches. Meanwhile, children like Amara keep growing up, smart, curious, capable, but shut out of the one thing that could open every door.

That is exactly why IA-Foundation exists. Not to manage a crisis from a distance, but to walk into communities, sit with families, and do the patient, unglamorous, necessary work of getting children back into learning.

Why Do Children Fall Out of School in the First Place?

If you’ve never had to pull a child from school, it’s easy to assume the reasons are simple, poverty, neglect, indifference. The truth is far more tangled, and far more human.

Poverty is the root, but it branches in many directions.

For many families, keeping a child in school is a genuine sacrifice. School fees, uniforms, exercise books, the cost of transport, these are not small things when a household is surviving on the edge. Older children, especially girls, are often needed at home to contribute economically or to care for younger siblings. It is not heartlessness. It is survival arithmetic.

Distance is underestimated.

In rural areas, the nearest school can be five, eight, ten kilometres away. A long walk for an adult is a dangerous journey for a seven-year-old, particularly in communities where roads are unpaved, seasons are harsh, and girls face real safety risks travelling alone.

The school itself can be the problem.

Overcrowded classrooms. Undertrained teachers. A curriculum taught in a language the child doesn’t speak at home. For children who have already fallen behind, returning to a formal classroom can feel humiliating. The system doesn’t always know how to welcome them back.

“The question is never whether these children can learn. The question is whether we have built spaces worthy of them.”

What IA-Foundation Actually Does

There are organisations that write about the problem. IA-Foundation is one that works on it, on the ground, in the community, with the child at the centre.

Our approach starts with identification. Before a child can be helped, they have to be seen. We work with community liaisons, local leaders, and parents to find the children who have slipped through the cracks, the ones who are old enough for school but aren’t there. The ones hiding in plain sight.

From there, the work is about trust. Trust with parents who are understandably sceptical. Trust with children who may associate school with failure or embarrassment. Trust with communities who have been promised things before and seen nothing change.

We do not parachute in solutions. We build them locally, flexible learning spaces, bridge programmes for children who need to catch up, support systems for families who need more than just a classroom to make attendance sustainable. Every intervention is shaped by the people it serves. 

The Cost of Doing Nothing

It is worth saying plainly: the cost of leaving these children without education is catastrophic, not just for them, but for all of us.

A child who doesn’t complete basic education is dramatically more likely to live in poverty as an adult, more vulnerable to exploitation, more likely to experience poor health outcomes, and less able to participate in the economic and civic life of their community. Multiply that by millions, and you have a generational crisis that compounds itself.

Education is not a luxury. It is the infrastructure on which everything else rests. Health. Stability. Economic growth. Democracy. All of it depends on people who were taught to think, to read, to reason. When we leave children behind, we are dismantling that infrastructure brick by brick, slowly, quietly, and at enormous future cost.

“Every child who falls through the cracks today is a bridge we failed to build for tomorrow.”

What Change Actually Looks Like

Change, in this work, doesn’t always look dramatic. It looks like a mother who finally says yes. It looks like a boy who used to spend his afternoons doing nothing now sitting in a circle with other children, sounding out words he didn’t know last month. It looks like a teenage girl who was told school was not for her discovering, quietly but powerfully, that she was wrong.

These are small victories. We don’t pretend otherwise. But they are real ones, and they ripple. A child who learns to read becomes an adult who can read to their own children. A girl who stays in school becomes a woman who insists her daughter does too. Progress in education is slow, but it is also durable. It echoes forward through generations.

That is what IA-Foundation is building, not just school attendance today, but a culture of learning that survives beyond any single programme or donation cycle.

How You Can Be Part of This

If you’ve read this far, something in you already cares. That matters. Caring is where everything starts.

You don’t have to be a philanthropist or a development economist to make a difference. The truth is, the most powerful thing most of us can do is choose to show up in some way, however small, for a child we’ll never meet.

Join the Movement

Every contribution, of money, time, or voice, puts a child closer to a classroom. Here’s where you can start:

Donate Today

Volunteer with Us

Share This Story

Amara, the girl at the beginning of this story, is fictional. But she is also entirely real, because there are millions of children just like her, right now, waiting for someone to decide they are worth the effort.

At IA-Foundation, we have made that decision. We hope you’ll make it with us.

By IA-Foundation | Because every child’s story deserves a next chapter.

 

There is a particular kind of silence that follows a child who has never been to school.

It isn’t the peaceful quiet of a lazy Sunday morning. It’s the silence of a door that was never opened. Of a question that was never asked. Of a life that learned, early on, to shrink itself down, to want less, expect less, become less, because the world made it clear that some children are not part of the plan.

 

That silence is real. It lives in communities across the world, in the eyes of children who have never held a textbook, never written their own name, never sat in a classroom and felt the small, extraordinary thrill of understanding something for the first time.

At IA-Foundation, we hear that silence. And we refuse to let it be the final word.

 

There Are Millions of Them. And Most of Us Don’t Know.

 

Currently, as you read this, there are an estimated 250 million children out of school worldwide.

Two hundred and fifty million.

Children who are bright and curious and full of the same wild potential as any child. Children who laugh at the same things, who dream the same dreams, who deserve the same future, but who have been failed by poverty, by geography, by conflict, by systems that were never built with them in mind.

 

They are not invisible because they don’t matter. They are invisible because it’s easier to look away.

IA-Foundation exists to look toward them instead.

 

What Does It Mean to Be Out of School?

 

It means more than missing lessons.

It means growing up believing that learning is for other people. It means watching the world move forward while you stay still. It means arriving at adulthood without the tools to build the life you deserve, and being told, quietly or loudly, that this is simply the way things are.

It is one of the quietest forms of injustice in our world. And it is entirely, completely, preventable.

 

The Moment Everything Changes

 

Let us tell you about a girl,  we’ll call her Fatou.

Fatou was ten years old when she first walked through the doors of one of our community learning hubs. She had been out of school for three years. She sat in the back row, arms crossed, eyes low. She had learned the hard way,not to raise her hand. Not to hope too loudly.

The first week, she barely spoke.

The second week, she asked a question.

By the third month, she was the one answering them.

 

Something had shifted. Not because of magic. Not because of a miracle. But because someone had finally looked at Fatou and said: you belong here. This seat is yours. Your mind matters.

 

That is what IA-Foundation does. We give children their seat back.

 

How We Do It — And Why It Works

 

Our work is built on a simple but powerful belief: no child should have to earn the right to an education.

We go to where children are, not where it’s convenient for us to be. We build community learning hubs in areas where schools are too far, too expensive, or simply not there. We recruit and train local educators who come from the same communities as the children they teach, because trust is the foundation of everything. We design flexible programmes that meet children where they are, not where the system expects them to be.

 

And we stay. Because the children who have been let down the most are often the ones who need the most consistency, someone who shows up on the hard days, not just the easy ones.

 

This Is Personal. For All of Us.

 

You might be reading this from a home with books on the shelves. You might have a memory of a teacher who believed in you, a classroom where something clicked, a qualification that opened a door.

Most of us take these things for granted. Not because we are ungrateful, but because we never had to imagine life without them.

 

The children IA-Foundation works with don’t have that luxury. But they have the same hearts, the same minds, the same hunger to understand the world. They are not less than. They have simply been given less.

 

That is something we can change. That is something you can be part of changing.

 

What You Can Do Today

 

You don’t need to be wealthy. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to decide that these children are worth showing up for.

 

Share this post. The first step to change is awareness. The more people who understand what out-of-school children are facing, the harder it becomes to ignore.

 

Support our work. Every contribution, whatever you can give, goes directly into programmes that reconnect children with education. You could be the reason a child picks up a pen for the first time.

 

Spread the word. Talk about this. In your community, on your social media, at your dinner table. These children don’t have a platform. You do.

 

Volunteer. If you have skills in teaching, communications, fundraising, technology, or just showing up with heart, we want to hear from you. There is always room for people who care.

 

A World Where No Child Is Left Behind

 

We know that vision sounds ambitious. Maybe even impossible.

But we have seen what happens when a child who was written off begins to believe in themselves. We have watched quiet, withdrawn children become confident young people. We have heard mothers cry with relief because their daughter is finally learning to read. We have seen entire communities shift when they realize their children have a future, a real one, not a watered-down version.

 

Change is possible. It is happening. Right now, in the learning hubs, in the communities, in the eyes of children who are finally starting to understand that the world belongs to them too.

All it takes is for enough of us to decide it matters.

It matters.

 

IA-Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing education to out-of-school children. Join us. The children are waiting.

 

When a Child Is Ready to Learn but the World Says No

Millions of children in Nigeria are out of school despite their desire to learn. Discover the realities they face and how education NGOs are restoring hope.

Introduction: The Child Who Stayed Behind

Every morning, the road to school fills with energy, children in uniforms, laughter in the air, the quiet excitement of a new day of learning.

But not every child joins that walk.

Some stand at a distance, watching. Not because they don’t want to go.
But because something beyond their control is holding them back. This is the quiet reality for millions of children across Nigeria.

The Hidden Story Behind Out-of-School Children

The term “out-of-school children” is often used in reports and headlines. But behind it are real lives, children with dreams, questions, and potential waiting to be discovered.

Many of them are eager to learn, yet face barriers such as:

• Family responsibilities that come too early
• Limited access to nearby schools
• Lack of basic learning materials
• Social and environmental challenges

These are not children without ambition. They are children without access.

What Happens When a Child Is Left Out
When a child is denied education, the impact goes far beyond the classroom. A missed school day becomes missed opportunities.
Curiosity slowly fades into uncertainty.

Confidence gives way to limitation.

Over time, the absence of education shapes not just a child’s present, but their entire future.

Where Change Begins

Despite these challenges, hope is not lost.

Across communities, education-focused organizations are working quietly but powerfully to change this narrative. One such organization is IA-Foundation.

Their work is rooted in a simple belief:
Every child deserves access to quality education.

Through community engagement and targeted support, they help:

• Reintegrate children back into school
• Provide essential learning materials
• Support families navigating difficult circumstances
• Create safe and encouraging learning environments

For many children, this is the turning point.

From Uncertainty to Possibility
There is something powerful about a child who is given a second chance. A child once unsure of their future begins to dream again.
A classroom becomes more than a place to learn, it becomes a place of hope.

These transformations may not always make headlines, but they are happening every day, quietly reshaping lives and communities.

Why Education Changes Everything

Education is more than reading and writing. It is the foundation for:

• Confidence and self-worth
• Opportunity and independence
• Stronger, more resilient communities

When a child is educated, the impact extends far beyond the individual, it touches families, communities, and future generations.

A Shared Responsibility
The challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria is complex, but not impossible to address.

It requires awareness.
It requires commitment.
It requires people who believe that every child matters.

Organizations like IA-Foundation continue to lead this effort, one child, one story, one future at a time.

Conclusion: The Children Still Waiting

Some children are still standing at the sidelines, watching others walk toward a future they long for.

They are ready to learn.

Ready to grow.

Ready to become.

All they need is the opportunity.

International Women’s Day 2026: Give to Gain – Investing in Girls, Transforming Futures

Every year on International Women’s Day, the world comes together to celebrate the achievements of women, reflect on progress made toward gender equality, and recommit to accelerating action for women and girls everywhere.

In 2026, the theme “Give to Gain” calls on individuals, organisations, and communities to adopt a powerful mindset: when we give opportunities, support, and resources to women and girls, society gains stronger families, healthier communities, and a more prosperous future.

At IA-Foundation, this theme resonates deeply with our mission of transforming lives through education. We believe that investing in girls’ education is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change.

 

What “Give to Gain” Means

The “Give to Gain” campaign highlights the idea that giving is not a loss, it is an investment. When we give time, resources, mentorship, and opportunities to girls and women, we help unlock their full potential.

Across many communities in Nigeria and Africa, girls still face barriers that prevent them from accessing quality education. Poverty, cultural expectations, lack of school supplies, and family responsibilities often push girls out of school.

However, when these barriers are removed, the impact is transformational.

A girl who stays in school gains confidence, knowledge, and skills that empower her to shape her future. In turn, her success benefits her family, her community, and the wider society.

Giving access to education today creates leaders for tomorrow.

Why Girls’ Education Matters

Education is one of the most effective tools for breaking the cycle of poverty. When girls are educated, they are more likely to:

• Earn higher incomes
• Make informed health decisions
• Support their families and communities
• Contribute to economic growth
• Raise educated children

Educated women become change-makers who uplift others around them.

This is why organisations like IA-Foundation focus on removing barriers to education for vulnerable children. Every child supported represents a story of hope and transformation.

When we invest in girls’ education, we are investing in a stronger and more inclusive future.

 

How IA-Foundation Is Making a Difference

Since its establishment, IA-Foundation has remained committed to ensuring that children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have access to quality education.

Through various initiatives, the foundation works to address the challenges that keep children out of school.

Some of the key areas of impact include:

• Education and Bursary Scholarships for vulnerable children
• The Street-to-School Project, helping children return to the classroom
• Distribution of learning materials and school supplies
• Mentorship and capacity development programs for children
• Education advocacy and awareness campaigns

 

These efforts have helped hundreds of children return to school and thousands more access educational resources that support their learning journey.

Each intervention represents a step toward a future where no child is denied the right to education.

The Ripple Effect of Giving

Giving creates a ripple effect that goes far beyond a single act of generosity.

When a girl receives support to attend school:

• Her family gains hope
• Her community gains a role model
• Her country gains a future leader

The benefits multiply across generations.

The “Give to Gain” message reminds us that meaningful change often begins with simple acts of compassion and generosity.

Whether through financial support, volunteering, mentoring, or advocacy, everyone has a role to play in shaping a better future for girls.

 

How You Can Support Girls’ Education

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, this is an opportunity for individuals and organisations to contribute to a world where every girl has the opportunity to learn and thrive.

Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

Sponsor a Child

Providing financial support for a child’s education helps cover school fees, books, and other learning materials.

Donate to Education Programs

Your contributions support initiatives that remove barriers preventing children from attending school.

Volunteer or Mentor

Sharing your knowledge, time, and experience can inspire and guide young girls toward achieving their dreams.

Advocate for Girls’ Education

Raising awareness about the importance of education helps create policies and environments that support girls’ learning.

Every contribution, no matter how small, moves us closer to a world where education is accessible to all.

 

Celebrating Women Who Give and Transform Lives

Women play an essential role in shaping communities and driving social change. Across the world, women are educators, mentors, entrepreneurs, leaders, and advocates working tirelessly to uplift others.

At IA-Foundation, we celebrate the incredible women who dedicate their time and resources to empowering the next generation.

Their commitment embodies the true spirit of “Give to Gain.”

 

A Call to Action This International Women’s Day

As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, we invite everyone to embrace the spirit of giving.

When we invest in girls’ education, we do more than support a child—we build a foundation for lasting change.

Together, we can ensure that every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead.

Because when we give opportunities to girls, the world gains a brighter future.

Support our mission today.

Partner with us, donate, or sponsor a child and help transform lives through education.

At IA-Foundation, we believe that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of background, circumstance, or location. Our commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria has guided every programme, partnership, and advocacy effort since our inception.

 

Today, we are proud to announce a significant milestone in our journey: the appointment of Ms. Olufunke Sotinwa as Executive Director.

 

Leadership Rooted in Strategy and Impact

 

Ms. Sotinwa brings over 20 years of distinguished experience in strategic leadership, business development, and partnership management. Her career journey, from Credit Analyst to Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at OBEDA Technologies, reflects a consistent track record of excellence, innovation, and results.

 

She has successfully secured multimillion-dollar investment partnerships and grants supporting both international development initiatives and impactful local projects. Her expertise spans government relations, stakeholder engagement, and social impact consulting, all critical pillars in building sustainable solutions for education access.

 

With an MBA and certification in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), she brings both strategic insight and operational strength to IA-Foundation at a time when sustainable funding and collaborative partnerships are more important than ever.

 

Strengthening the Mission

 

Education challenges in Nigeria require more than goodwill, they require structure, funding models, policy engagement, and measurable impact. Ms. Sotinwa’s appointment positions IA-Foundation to:

 

• Expand sustainable funding partnerships

 

• Strengthen advocacy efforts

 

• Deepen community and government engagement

 

• Scale programmes that directly support vulnerable children

 

 

As we intensify efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children through scholarships, mentorship, advocacy campaigns, and community outreach, her leadership will help accelerate growth and institutional sustainability.

 

A Shared Vision for the Future

 

Speaking on the appointment, the Founder of IA-Foundation shared:

 

> “IA-Foundation has always been driven by purpose and passion. With Ms. Sotinwa’s strategic leadership and proven expertise in partnerships and resource mobilization, we are entering a new phase of growth. Her appointment strengthens our capacity to deliver sustainable impact and reach even more children who need access to education.”

 

 

 

In her response, Ms. Sotinwa expressed her commitment to the Foundation’s mission:

 

> “Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transformation. I am honoured to join IA-Foundation at such a pivotal time and look forward to building strategic partnerships that will expand access, strengthen sustainability, and create measurable impact for children across Nigeria.”

 

 

 

Moving Forward with Purpose

 

The appointment of Ms. Olufunke Sotinwa marks more than a leadership change — it signals a renewed commitment to strategic growth, sustainable funding, and long-term impact.

 

As we enter this new chapter, we remain steadfast in our mission: to ensure that no child is denied the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

 

Together, we will continue breaking barriers and transforming lives through education.

 

 

 

On February 8, nine children were kidnapped from a church in Benue State. On February 14, they were rescued.

The news of their safe return brought relief to families and communities. But this incident raises urgent concerns about child safety, insecurity, and the future of education in Nigeria.

 

Child Kidnapping and Insecurity in Nigeria

 

Kidnapping incidents involving children continue to highlight the broader security challenges facing Nigeria. While the safe rescue of these nine children is encouraging, the psychological and educational impact of such incidents cannot be ignored.

 

When children experience insecurity:

Attendance drops

• Learning is disrupted
• Trauma affects academic performance
• Parents withdraw children from school out of fear

Nigeria is already battling a high number of out-of-school children. Insecurity further deepens this crisis.

 

Child safety and education are inseparable.

 

A child who does not feel safe cannot thrive academically. Communities affected by insecurity often see increased school dropouts. Fear becomes a barrier to education.

 

For children in Benue and across Nigeria, the issue is not only about rescue, it is about reintegration and protection.

 

Authorities must ensure that rescued children:

• Receive psychosocial support
• Return safely to school
• Are protected from repeat incidents

 

Education must remain a safe space.

 

What the Government Must Prioritize

 

The recent Benue church kidnapping underscores the urgent need for:

 

• Strengthened security around schools and places of worship
• Enforced child safeguarding policies
• Improved intelligence and rapid response systems
• Long-term strategies to protect vulnerable communities

 

Rescue operations are important. Prevention systems are essential.

 

IA-Foundation’s Position on Child Safety

 

At IA-Foundation, we believe that removing barriers to education includes addressing insecurity.

Children cannot learn in fear.

We call on relevant authorities to ensure that the rescued children in Benue are fully supported and reintegrated into school without disruption.

Protecting children must be a national priority.

 

Conclusion: Safe Children, Stronger Nation

 

The safe rescue of the nine children in Benue is a moment of relief. But it must also be a moment of reflection and reform.

Child safety, education access, and national development are interconnected.

When children are safe, they can learn.

When they learn, they grow.

When they grow, Nigeria progresses.

Introduction

Valentine’s season is often associated with cards, flowers, and fleeting gestures. But beyond the celebrations lies a deeper question: what does lasting love really look like?

At IA-Foundation, we believe love is most powerful when it creates opportunity. Supporting education is one of the most meaningful ways to show love, not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.

 

Redefining Love Beyond Valentine’s Day

True love goes beyond romance. It is found in compassion, commitment, and action, especially when it uplifts the most vulnerable.

For many children in Nigeria, access to education is the difference between possibility and limitation. When donors choose to support education, they offer something greater than temporary comfort: they offer a future.

 

Why Education Is a Gift That Keeps Giving

Unlike chocolates or flowers, education does not fade. Its impact grows with time.

Through education:

●Children gain confidence and life skills

●Families experience hope and stability

●Communities become stronger and more resilient

This is why education is often described as one of the most sustainable forms of love.

 

Valentine’s Kindness in Action

Every Valentine season, acts of kindness remind us that love is meant to be shared. At IA-Foundation, donor support translates Valentine goodwill into real outcomes:

●Helping children return to school

●Supporting families facing hardship

●Providing learning materials and mentorship

●Keeping children off the streets and in classrooms

Each act of giving becomes a message of hope.

 

Choosing Love With Impact

Supporting education is a conscious choice to invest in long-term change. It is love expressed through responsibility, vision, and belief in human potential.

For donors, this choice reflects a powerful truth: love is not only felt, it is lived.

Beyond the Season: Continuing the Impact

Valentine’s Day may come and go, but the need for education remains. By continuing to support education-focused initiatives, donors help ensure that love extends beyond a single season.

At IA-Foundation, we remain committed to transforming lives through education, with love at the centre of all we do.

Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
Theme: Seven Years of Impact, Growth, and Commitment to Education

IA-Foundation proudly celebrated its 7th Anniversary, marking seven years of dedicated service to transforming lives through education. Since its inception, the Foundation has remained committed to reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria by providing access to quality education for vulnerable, orphaned, and indigent children.

The anniversary celebration brought together board members, partners, volunteers, beneficiaries, and supporters, each of whom has played a meaningful role in advancing the Foundation’s mission and impact.

 

Seven Years of Impact: A Journey Worth Celebrating

The celebration began with a warm welcome from Modupeoluwa Ayeni, who set the tone for an evening of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment. She introduced the Founder and CEO, Ronke Adeagbo, whose vision and leadership have guided IA-Foundation over the past seven years.

In her address, Ronke Adeagbo highlighted key achievements that define the Foundation’s journey:

• 114 children supported through structured education interventions
• Increased access to schooling for vulnerable and orphaned children
• Continuous advocacy for education as a fundamental human right
• Strong partnerships with schools, donors, and community stakeholders

She emphasized that these achievements were made possible through collective effort, expressing heartfelt appreciation to donors, volunteers, ambassadors, and partners for their unwavering support.

 

Strengthening Governance and Organizational Structure

As IA-Foundation continues to grow, strengthening governance and internal systems remains a top priority to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.

The Foundation’s organizational structure includes:

• A Board
• Chairman and Vice Chair
• Ten Ambassadors
• Six active sub-committees

To further support growth and effectiveness, Ronke Adeagbo announced ongoing recruitment for key leadership roles, including:

• Chief Executive
• Head of Fundraising
• Head of Programs

Special recognition was given to:

• Ekemini Eseme, Communications Officer, for leading advocacy and visibility efforts

Opeyemi Adedara, Acting Program Manager, for driving program delivery and community engagement

These developments reflect IA-Foundation’s commitment to strong governance, professional development, and staff welfare.

 

Financial Performance and Accountability: 2025 Overview

Transparency and accountability remain central to IA-Foundation’s values. During the celebration, the 2025 financial report was presented, demonstrating prudent financial management and sustainable growth.

Key Financial Highlights (2025):

• Total Income: £54,000
• Total Expenditure: £48,000
• Surplus: £6,000

The Annual Charity Ball remained a major fundraising driver:

• Revenue: £23,000
• Cost: £16,000

Additional income sources included:

• Nearly £7,000 from regular donors
• £7,000 in grants
• Over £5,000 from child sponsorships

These funds directly supported education programs and strengthened operational capacity.

 

Scaling Impact: Future Plans and Strategic Partnerships

Looking ahead, IA-Foundation is focused on expanding its reach and adapting to emerging educational needs.

Key Future Initiatives Include:

• A strategic partnership with Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, to support 200 out-of-school children in 2026
• Expansion of the Sponsor a Child Program
• Continued strengthening of governance and operational systems
• Investment in digital infrastructure, including the Foundation’s online portal
• Launch of a Digital Skills Program for Girls, with a focus on cybersecurity and future-ready skills

This initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to empowering girls and preparing beneficiaries for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world.

 

Voices of Impact: Stories That Inspire Change

One of the most powerful moments of the anniversary celebration was hearing directly from those impacted by IA-Foundation’s work.

Loveth Tennyson shared a moving account of a child who returned to school after losing a parent, underscoring the life-changing power of education.

Beneficiaries and stakeholders also shared testimonies of how consistent educational support has restored hope, dignity, and opportunity to families.

Esther Noah, a child sponsor, spoke about a young girl she supports who now aspires to become a chartered accountant, illustrating the ripple effect of investing in education.

 

Appreciation, Leadership, and Gratitude

Special appreciation was extended to Modupeoluwa Ayeni for her outstanding service as Executive Assistant. She was recognized for her dedication, agility, and selfless commitment to IA-Foundation’s mission.

Goodwill messages from board members, staff, and partners reinforced:

• The importance of education as a tool for transformation
• The Founder’s visionary leadership
• The shared responsibility to protect every child’s right to education

 

How You Can Support IA-Foundation

As IA-Foundation enters its next phase, continued support from individuals and organizations remains essential.

You can support by:

• Donating to IA-Foundation
• Sponsoring a child’s education
• Partnering on education-focused initiatives
• Volunteering your time or professional expertise
• Advocating for out-of-school children in Nigeria

Every contribution, big or small, helps transform lives.

 

Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues

Seven years on, IA-Foundation stands as a testament to what is possible when purpose meets commitment. With strengthened governance, innovative programs, and a growing community of supporters, the Foundation remains resolute in its mission to ensure no child is left behind.

Together, we can continue transforming lives, one child, one community, and one future at a time.

IA-Foundation has raised N30 million at its recent Annual Charity Gala in London, reinforcing its commitment to tackling the growing crisis of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

According to our Founder, Mrs. Ibironke Adeagbo, the funds will directly support key education initiatives, including the Sponsor a Child programme, bursary scholarships, and the distribution of school uniforms and learning materials across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“These efforts target the most vulnerable—girls, children with disabilities, and those from low-income families—to ensure no child is left behind,” she said.

She thanked Femi Falana SAN and Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for their ongoing support, and commended the political will of President Bola Tinubu and the commitment of Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa.

Chairman Mr. Diran Femi-Famakinwa described the out-of-school crisis as a moral issue that fuels generational poverty.

Dignitaries at the event included Amb. Mercy Haruna-Adeoye, Mayor Naima Ali, and Mayor-Elect Sunny Lambe.

IA-Foundation remains focused on providing access to quality education and reducing Nigeria’s out-of-school population through sustainable, donor-driven impact.

In a compassionate response to the tragic school building collapse in Nigeria’s central Plateau State, IA-Foundation has donated N250,000 to Saint Academy School. The devastating incident resulted in the loss of 22 young lives and left 132 injured.

Heartfelt Condolences from IA-Foundation

IA-Foundation’s founder, Mrs. Ibironke Adeagbo, expressed her deepest sympathies to all affected by the collapse. In a statement issued on Thursday, she described the incident as heart-wrenching, sharing the community’s grief during this challenging time.

“The loss of young lives and the injury to many others is a tragedy that deeply touches every one of us,” she said. Adeagbo also commended the bravery and resilience of those who worked tirelessly to assist the victims.

Supporting Recovery and Rebuilding Efforts

Adeagbo emphasized the foundation’s commitment to providing assistance: “In light of this tragic event, we stand ready to offer any assistance within our capacity to aid in the recovery and support efforts of the affected students and their families. To this end, we are donating N250,000 to assist in these efforts.”

She extended IA-Foundation’s deepest sympathies to the staff, students, and families of Saint Academy, offering hope for solace and eventual recovery and rebuilding.

Recognizing Bravery and Resilience

Adeagbo praised the first responders and medical teams: “We commend the bravery and resilience of everyone involved, especially those who worked tirelessly to assist those in need. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the students, and their families as you navigate this unimaginable ordeal.”

Commitment to Education and Welfare

IA-Foundation remains dedicated to supporting educational institutions and the welfare of children, particularly focusing on out-of-school children. The foundation’s efforts aim to transform lives through education, even in the face of such tragedies.

For more information about IA-Foundation and our ongoing efforts to support education in Nigeria and beyond, please visit our website.

“IA-Foundation applauds the Nigerian government’s DOTS project aimed at reintegrating over 20 million out-of-school children through data-driven strategies, teacher training, and skill development.”

The IA-Foundation has praised the Nigerian government’s new initiative aimed at addressing the education crisis affecting millions of out-of-school children. This article explores the details of this commendable effort and its potential impact on the education sector.

The DOTS Project: A Game Changer

President Bola Tinubu has launched the Data, Out-of-School, Training, and Skills (DOTS) project. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive data repository to track and improve the educational outcomes of out-of-school children. The project also focuses on training teachers and developing essential skills among students, which is crucial for holistic education reform.

Addressing the Data Gap

A significant aspect of the DOTS project is its emphasis on addressing the lack of coordinated data in the education sector. Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, highlighted the need for accurate data to track student progress and ensure that interventions are effective. This data-driven approach is expected to streamline efforts to reintegrate out-of-school children into the education system.

IA-Foundation’s Support and Commitment

IA-Foundation, a dedicated organization working to reduce the number of out-of-school children, has expressed strong support for the DOTS project. The foundation’s mission aligns with the government’s initiative to bring over 20 million out-of-school children back into the classroom. The IA-Foundation believes that this initiative is a significant step towards achieving universal education in Nigeria.

Impact on Nigeria’s Education Sector

The successful implementation of the DOTS project could revolutionize Nigeria’s education sector. By providing essential data and resources, the project aims to create a more inclusive and effective education system. This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of out-of-school children but also sets the foundation for sustainable educational development in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The IA-Foundation’s commendation of the Nigerian government’s DOTS project underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the education crisis. With the support of organizations like IA-Foundation and a data-driven approach, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in improving educational outcomes for all children. The future of Nigeria’s education sector looks promising, with initiatives like the DOTS project paving the way for lasting change.

For more information on this initiative, you can read the full article https://tribuneonlineng.com/ngo-applauds-fg-for-out-of-school-children-initiative/