In celebration of this year’s Rotary Basic Education and Literacy Month, the Rotary Club of Lagos Prime Ikeja, District 9112, has donated a variety of essential school supplies and books to students of Victory High School and Victory Grammar School, both in Ikeja, Lagos State. The group also enlightened students on the roles of pharmacists in the society and the career path in becoming a pharmacist.
According to the Charter President, Rotarian (Pharm.) Gbenga Olubowale, the initiative aims to enhance the learning environment and provide vital resources for students, addressing the educational challenges faced by communities in the area.
The event, which took place recently in the school hall, benefitted over 200 students who received notebooks, pencils, pens, and other educational materials. This gesture is part of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to supporting basic education and literacy, a key pillar of the organisation’s global humanitarian efforts.
Speaking at the event, Pharm. Olubowale stressed the importance of the initiative in closing educational gaps. “Every child deserves the chance to succeed, but without the right tools, many students are left behind. By providing these resources, we hope to inspire a brighter future for these young learners,” he said.
He added, “Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Month is observed in September, a crucial period for Rotary clubs worldwide to focus on improving access to education and promoting literacy. These efforts align with Rotary’s broader mission of fostering community development through projects that provide learning resources, support teachers, and enhance literacy skills.”
Pharm. Iyiola Gbolagade, immediate past chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos, also addressed the students, discussing the critical role of pharmacists in society. “Pharmacists are not just responsible for dispensing medicines; we are key players in ensuring public health. If you have a passion for science and want to help people lead healthier lives, this is a profession you should consider,” he encouraged.
The students, drawn from various classes, were introduced to the educational path required to become a pharmacist, including the importance of excelling in science subjects like chemistry and biology.
During the interactive session, students asked questions about the challenges and rewards of pursuing a careers in Pharmacy and other professions such as law, accounting, medicine, engineering, and science laboratory technology, among others.
In her remarks, Mrs Chinyere Madueke-Onwo, Past President of Rotary Club, Ikeja, highlighted that Rotary International’s Basic Education and Literacy Month is a time to promote access to quality education for all. She noted that the initiative was one of many planned for the year by the Rotary Club of Lagos Prime Ikeja, reaffirming their commitment to improving educational opportunities in underserved communities to ensure no child is left without the tools to learn.
The Vice-Principal of Victory High School, Mrs Adeyinka Afolayan, commended the Rotary Club for both the donations and the career talk, calling on other well-meaning organisations to support the growth and development of the education sector. She further expressed her gratitude to Rotary for its unwavering support, stating that the initiative would significantly boost the morale of the students.
Head Girl of Victory High School, Mercy Audu, and Head Boy of Victory Grammar School, Abdulahi Odejimi, thanked Rotary for the donations and career talks, describing the lecture series as an eye-opener for the students.
Other notable attendees at the programme included Dr Martha Ugbede-Adejoh, Pharm. Adenike Abdulazeez, Sir Alozie Nsirimobi (Past President of Rotary), and Mrs Florence Oyebanji, vice-principal of Victory Grammar School, among others.
