Airtel Africa Vice President reflects on Tolu School Complex transformation in Lagos

Emeka Oparah, Vice President for Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Africa, reflects on the significant transformation of the Tolu School Complex in Ajegunle, Lagos. He recalls his first visit in May 2011, describing Oremeji Primary School 2 as a "national embarrassment" where children learned under trees. Airtel Nigeria, following its acquisition of Zain, decided to adopt public primary schools, starting in Lagos. With support from then-CEO Rajan Swaroop, Airtel constructed a six-classroom block with furnishings, sanitation, water, and power within six months. Oparah notes that this intervention was intended to inspire further action. Fifteen years later, he highlights the Lagos State Government's extensive infrastructure development at the complex, which he describes as scaling the idea that "no child should learn in indignity." He emphasizes that this transformation demonstrates how leadership, vision, and empathy can change entire ecosystems. Oparah, who visited the complex in November last year, states that the Tolu School Complex has evolved from a symbol of neglect into a "case study in possibility," providing a learning environment that reflects the resilience of the Ajegunle community.