JAKIN Distributes Learning Materials, Enhance Back to School Initiative | ClipTV Online

Ahead of the 2026/2027 school year, JAKIN Initiative International has provided school bags and learning materials to 690 vulnerable children across Lagos State. The initiative is part of the efforts to increase learning desires and encourage better academic performance.

The materials were distributed during the 16th edition of the organisation’s annual Dress a Child for School Project, held at its premises in Onike, Yaba, Lagos, ahead of the new academic session.

The project, themed “Literacy for People, The Planet and Prosperity,” was organised to commemorate 2026 International Literacy Day and celebrate the resilience and academic efforts of vulnerable children.

The beneficiaries, drawn from 351 households across seven local government areas, were selected based on their participation in the JAKIN Children’s Club activities. They were required to have attended at least six monthly meetings during the year and submitted their academic results for the 2025/2026 session from government primary or secondary schools.

Speaking at the event, Founder of JAKIN Initiative International, Mrs. Olubukola Adebiyi, revealed that the 2026 edition almost did not take place following a quit notice over the organisation’s current premises.

Adebiyi said the landlord had taken the organisation to court and JAKIN had been given until November 30 to vacate the property.

She said the development forced the organisation to consider suspending this year’s programme to focus on an urgent ₦400 million fundraising campaign to acquire a new building.

According to her, a dream she had on August 16 changed her decision, prompting her to launch an appeal for support.

The appeal, she disclosed, generated almost ₦10 million in three weeks through the contributions of 33 partners.

“We are here as witnesses to this phenomenal miracle within just three weeks,” Adebiyi said, listing the items provided with sponsorship by the partners as 690 branded school bags, 690 sets of stationery, 487 mathematics sets for secondary school students and 113 dozens of exercise books.

She expressed gratitude to the 33 partners for responding to the appeal despite the short notice, saying their support would motivate the beneficiaries to remain committed to their education and perform better in the new academic session.

Adebiyi urged the children to take their studies seriously, stressing that education remains a foundation for success.

SUBEB Commends JAKIN

The Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Akeem Babatunde Shittu, represented by the Director, Social Mobilisation, Lagos SUBEB, Mrs. Fawebe Oluwaji Alice, commended JAKIN for its sustained commitment to vulnerable children.

She described the 16th edition of the project as evidence of the organisation’s consistency in ensuring that vulnerable children are not left behind.

Fawebe said SUBEB would continue to strengthen partnerships with NGOs, development partners, communities, parents and other stakeholders to improve basic education in Lagos State.

She disclosed that the Federal Government had recently supplied 15,675 school bags, exercise books and pairs of sandals, which would be distributed to children upon resumption.

“Every child matters and deserves an opportunity. No child should be denied these opportunities because of vulnerability or circumstances beyond their control,” she said.

“There is zero tolerance for out-of-school children here in Lagos State, and this activity is also consistent with the broader vision that we leave no child behind, which is the motto of SUBEB.”

Fawebe noted that the initiative was about more than school materials, describing it as a demonstration of love, encouragement and a collective commitment to the children’s future.

She urged the beneficiaries to believe in themselves and make proper use of the materials provided, while encouraging JAKIN to expand its reach to include children with special needs.

Lagos Faces Influx of Out-of-School Children

Speaking exclusively with NewsConnect Online, Fawebe said Lagos was experiencing an influx of out-of-school children due to children arriving from other states.

She explained that back-to-school support initiatives such as JAKIN’s would help reduce the financial burden on guardians and complement government efforts to tackle the out-of-school children challenge.

She urged beneficiaries to attend school regularly and make effective use of the materials, while appealing to parents to ensure that their children remain in school.

Gamesville Foundation Backs JAKIN

Trustee of The Gamesville Foundation, Mrs. Njideka Okolo-Onyiuke, described the foundation’s partnership with JAKIN since 2017 as one of its greatest joys.

She praised Adebiyi for her passion and commitment to vulnerable children and encouraged her to sustain the work she began more than 22 years ago.

Okolo-Onyiuke also called on financially capable individuals to support vulnerable children and partner with organisations working to improve their lives.

JAKIN Targets Sustainability

Adebiyi, who disclosed that JAKIN Initiative International will celebrate its 23rd anniversary in October, said the organisation has been running the Dress A School Project for 17 years but counts 16 editions after excluding one year.

She said JAKIN secured 33 sponsors for this year’s edition and currently has more than 2,000 active partners.

According to her, the fundraising campaign that produced this year’s support was driven by a desire to put smiles on the faces of vulnerable people and respond to their needs.

She appealed to government to create policies that would enable organisations such as JAKIN to operate more effectively, while providing the structures and financial support needed to sustain their impact on society.

By Eniola Jolaoso