Foundation Deepens Fight Against Out-of-School Crisis

The Deola Smart Foundation has extended its Back to School initiative to reach more children in the Federal Capital Territory, awarding full scholarships to 113 pupils in Agwan Gede, Kuje Area Council. The foundation launched the initiative in 2024, when 39 pupils benefited from the pilot edition. This year’s expansion, according to the foundation, reflects […]

The Deola Smart Foundation has extended its Back to School initiative to reach more children in the Federal Capital Territory, awarding full scholarships to 113 pupils in Agwan Gede, Kuje Area
Council.

The foundation launched the initiative in 2024, when 39 pupils benefited from the pilot edition.

This year’s expansion, according to the foundation, reflects a firm commitment to tackling the rising number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, starting from local communities in the FCT.

Speaking on behalf of the Founder, Barr. Deola Smart Awujoola, the Foundation’s Programs and Communications Officer, John Otetah, said the initiative prioritizes orphans and children from low-income families to ensure that no child is denied education due to financial challenges.

“The vision is to increase the number of beneficiaries annually and to ensure that these children never pay school fees until they complete their primary education,” Otetah said.

“We want to give them a stable foundation and allow their parents or guardians to focus on other aspects of their growth.”

The scholarship covers full tuition and other academic costs, guaranteeing continuous education for all selected pupils.

The Proprietor of Science Primary School, Agwan Gede, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Smart for keeping her promise to expand the program, describing the initiative as one that has “breathed new life into the school” since its debut.

“This program has increased enrollment and improved the learning atmosphere,” the
proprietor noted.

“We are proud to see our pupils motivated and supported through Mrs. Smart’s generosity.”

With the 2025 edition, the Deola Smart Foundation reinforces its mission to bridge educational inequality and nurture the potential of children in underserved communities across the FCT.