Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Josephine Piyo, has commended the Oando Foundation for its ongoing commitment to reintegrating out-of-school children through its LEARNOVATE-FLIP (Foundational Learning Improvement Programme) initiative.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony of back-to-school materials in Jos, the Deputy Governor praised the Foundation’s intervention as a vital step toward expanding inclusive and equitable access to basic education in the state.
“Today marks a significant step in our collective efforts to improve the quality of education in Plateau State,” said Piyo.
“By providing back-to-school learning materials to enroll out-of-school children, we are giving them the tools to succeed in life. I express my gratitude to the Oando Foundation for their generous support.
“This distribution of learning materials will not only enhance learning but also instill a sense of confidence and belonging in every child reached.”
Over 1,000 back-to-school kits, including backpacks, uniforms, stationery, and sandals were distributed to newly enrolled out-of-school children across Jos North and Mangu Local Government Areas, aiming to improve school readiness and ensure learning continuity for vulnerable children.
The event was attended by key education stakeholders, including Builder Sunday Samuel Amuna, Chairman of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Mrs. Keithleen Rahab Favour Nyango, Director of Schools at the Ministry of Education; and Isaiah Yauta Sambo, Education Secretary, Jos North. Traditional leaders and local education officials were also present to show support.
Tonia Uduimoh, Head of Oando Foundation, emphasized the initiative’s impact: “Since 2023, our LEARNOVATE strategy has been focused on improving foundational literacy and numeracy. Under the LEARNOVATE-FLIP programme, we’re not only supporting children already in school, we’re also working to identify and reintegrate out-of-school children. What you’re seeing today is a direct result of that effort.”
The LEARNOVATE-FLIP programme, launched in 2024, operates in Plateau, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Adamawa States. It focuses on addressing learning poverty by equipping early-grade learners with core academic skills, providing instruction in both mother tongue and English to build strong reading comprehension from the start.
Backed by Sustainable Development Goal 4, the initiative combines innovative teaching strategies, remedial learning, and systemic support to empower teachers, strengthen communities, and promote long-term sustainability in the education sector.
So far, over 4,000 out-of-school children have been enrolled into formal education through the LEARNOVATE-FLIP programme a milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of universal basic education.