Sasa community school gets classroom makeover, solar water supply

In its ongoing work to improve learning conditions, the Oyo state Government, supported by SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, has renovated a block of three classrooms at Community Basic School in Sasa, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State. The work also provided solar-powered water facilities, toilets, and new classroom furniture to help create a cleaner and more supportive setting for students.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held on the school premises, the Managing Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Nigeria, Eghosa Erhumwunse, said the organisation’s work is driven by the belief that every child deserves proper care, protection, and access to quality education.

“We believe every child deserves a safe and supportive environment to learn and grow. This has always been our driving force,” he said. Erhumwunse explained that SOS had closely followed developments in the Sasa community over the years and remained committed to improving the welfare of its residents.

“Sasa community has been a huge part of our implementation as an organisation because of their strength and resilience,” he noted. “The solar-powered potable water facility, the renovated block of classrooms, and the provision of furniture were meant to address critical challenges of access to clean water, proper sanitation and quality education.”

Describing the intervention as a community-driven effort, Erhumwunse urged residents to safeguard the facilities for the benefit of current and future pupils.

The organisation also highlighted its longstanding presence in Oyo State, including a five-year project between 2011 and 2015, and a second intervention phase from 2020 to 2025 following the Shasha crisis, which destroyed earlier water and sanitation projects.

Erhumwunse stressed that quality education is a fundamental right and called for stronger collaboration among the government and stakeholders to ensure conducive learning environments for children. While the newly renovated block is a major step, he appealed for more investments to upgrade other structures and fence the school to prevent vandalism.

Representing the Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, the Board’s Executive Secretary, Dr Olukemi Adeosun, commended SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria for its “remarkable contribution to basic education development in the state.”

“The Oyo State government appreciates this huge donation. It will significantly enhance the delivery of quality education,” she said, urging teachers and pupils to make good use of the facilities.

The Headmaster of the school, Mr Faleye Idowu, also expressed gratitude to the state government and the NGO, describing the intervention as timely and transformative.

The event was attended by community leaders, including the Baale of Sasa, Chief Salawu Lateef Sowumi, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Akinyele Branch, Mrs Toyin Olawuyi, traditional and religious leaders, education stakeholders, and members of the Sasa community.

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