According to data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria faces a severe out-of-school crisis, with approximately 18.3 million children currently out of school, including 8.1 million at the junior secondary school level.
RaveNewsOnline reports that the research highlights the lack of fundamental learning resources and economic poverty as primary drivers of school dropouts, with 65 per cent of out-of-school children coming from the country’s poorest socio-economic households.
To tackle the challenge directly, the MTN Foundation is rolling out the 2026 edition of its initiative to provide learning support materials, including textbooks, worksheets and digital resources, to students across Nigeria.
The intervention, in partnership with UNICEF and the First Ladies of recipient states, is set to begin on Oct. 6, 2026, and will target 18 public secondary schools across Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Edo, Abia, Anambra and Cross River states.
The initiative will also provide secondary school students with essential items, including school bags, water bottles and writing materials.
The support is aimed at reducing out-of-pocket education costs that can place additional pressure on families and contribute to children being withdrawn from formal education.
The intervention is expected to help students arrive at school better prepared for lessons and participate more fully in classroom activities.
It also forms part of efforts to improve school retention by addressing some of the practical barriers that could prevent children from staying in school.
The students will also be introduced to basic digital courses through the MTN Skills Academy platform.
The training is designed to equip them with digital skills that can enhance their academic experience and prepare them for a technology-driven future.
The digital component also extends the intervention beyond the immediate distribution of learning materials by giving students access to additional learning opportunities as they continue their education.
Industry analysts regard collaborations between corporate organisations, international bodies and state governments as a practical model for addressing resource deficits and expanding digital inclusion in public education.
The partnership between the MTN Foundation, UNICEF and state stakeholders further demonstrates how collaboration among the private sector, international organisations and government can support efforts to address resource gaps and expand access to digital learning opportunities for students.
