By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Mala Kachallah Model School in Maiduguri, Borno State; Methodist School Mbiafun Nkwono Ikono, Akwa Ibom State; Aramoko District School, Aramoko Ekiti State; and Magin Rafi Model Primary School Tudun Wada, Sokoto State have been adopted by Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc.
The leading financial services provider in Nigeria revamped these citadels of learning under its Adopt-a-School programme structured on the company’s Social, Environmental, and Economic (SEE) framework, which aligns with its mission to be a responsible corporate citizen.
It was learned that Stanbic IBTC renovated and rebuilt classroom blocks, provided modern and conducive learning environments, furnished classrooms, established computer laboratories, and provided necessary digital resources to empower students.
Furthermore, it created an inclusive and supportive educational ecosystem through the provision of 10-seater workstations and the renovation of toilet blocks, ensuring the provision of required resources for the students.
In addition, the firm showcased its commitment to sustainable construction practices by prioritizing passive cooling and ventilation techniques, water conservation through rainwater harvesting, construction of water-efficient plumbing systems, and installation of energy-efficient appliances and lighting solutions on the facilities.
Also, the organisation prioritised the sustainable use of local resources to minimize emissions from transportation and support the local economy.
Skills development was integral, with the deployment and training of local craftsmen for ongoing infrastructure maintenance. The Group also integrated climate-adaptive landscaping, ensuring resilience against the impacts of climate change.
While commenting on the development, the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC, Mr Demola Sogunle, said the transformation of the schools was to enhance education and foster sustainable development in the communities.
“Our commitment to adopting these schools reflects our dedication to implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies as part of our core business practices. We believe in promoting sustainability and making a positive impact on communities,” he said.
“Education is a cornerstone for societal development. By adopting these schools, we are not only contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 but also investing in the future of these communities,” Mr Sogunle added.
He reiterated Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship, noting that, “Our goal is to make a lasting positive impact on communities through our initiatives and enabling sustainable and thriving environments for generations to come.”
