The MTN Nigeria Foundation has distributed school bags, exercise books and other learning materials to 2,000 students of Queen Amina College, Kakuri, Kaduna, as part of efforts to ease the cost of education and improve learning outcomes.
The intervention, delivered in partnership with UNICEF, falls under the Foundation’s Learning Support Materials Initiative. The program has so far covered more than 1,000 schools across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
Speaking at the presentation, Zubair Bashir, General Manager representing the MTN Nigeria Foundation, said the support was designed to give students the basic tools needed to thrive in school.
“Every child deserves not only access to education but also access to the tools and resources needed to learn effectively and succeed,” Bashir said.
He disclosed that in 2025, the Foundation reached 2,636 students in 7 states and also provided teaching aids to educators to strengthen classroom delivery.
Bashir told the students the items were symbolic of bigger opportunities.
“To our dear students, these materials are much more than exercise books and school bags. They represent opportunity, encouragement and our belief in your potential,” he said.
He challenged them to take their studies seriously.
“Among you today are future doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who will shape the future of Nigeria,” Bashir added.
He also appreciated UNICEF, the Ministry of Education, teachers, parents and school authorities for their collaboration.
“Today’s event demonstrates the power of collaboration between government and the private sector in creating lasting impact in the lives of young Nigerians,” he noted.
Bashir reaffirmed that MTN Foundation will continue to invest in education, health and economic empowerment as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The Principal of Queen Amina College, Junior Session, Hajiya Zainab Muhammad, described the donation as timely and impactful.
The school, a federal unity college, has over 3,000 girls in its boarding facility from across Northern Nigeria and other regions.
“What MTN did, they just didn’t do it for Queen Amina alone. They have done it for the Northern states and beyond. It is a very welcome gesture that will help the students blend and be more comfortable in their academic activities,” Muhammad said.
“I feel very happy indeed. It is a timely intervention. A lot of these students need these materials. I really appreciate what MTN did for these students,” she added.
She disclosed that close to 2,000 students have benefited from the kits and urged other corporate bodies to follow suit, particularly in supporting girl-child education.
“What MTN did is exceptional. I am calling on other corporate organizations to do the same. There are so many things they can bring to the doorstep of students, most especially girl students, that will be of benefit to them,” she said.
Some students said the support would ease financial pressure on their parents, while education stakeholders in Kaduna noted that private sector involvement is vital to improving retention and academic performance, especially for girls in boarding schools.
The Learning Support Materials Initiative remains one of MTN Nigeria Foundation’s flagship programs aimed at reducing barriers to learning in underserved schools nationwide.
The Foundation said it will expand the initiative to more schools in 2026 as part of its contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s education system.
