In a strong show of support for public-private sector-led interventions in education, the Plateau State government has commended Oando Foundation over its ongoing commitment to reintegrate out-of-school children through its innovative LEARNOVATE Foundational Learning Improvement Programme (FLIP) initiative
The foundation is an independent charity established to support the Nigerian government in achieving its Universal Basic Education (UBE) goal for its ongoing commitment to reintegrate out-of-school children through LEARNOVATE-FLIP.

The state Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, while speaking during the official handover of back-to-school materials in Jos, Plateau State, described the intervention as a vital support for children, who have been excluded from educational opportunities, aligning with the state’s commitment to expand access to inclusive and equitable basic education. She said: “Today marks a significant step in our collective efforts to improve the quality of education in Plateau State.

It is heartwarming to witness the commitment of organisations like the Oando Foundation in supporting the education sector. Education is the key to unlocking the potential of every child and paving the way for a brighter future. 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 in organising this event.

“Their dedication to promoting education and empowering communities is truly commendable. This distribution of learning materials will have a profound impact not only enhancing learning but also instilling a sense of confidence and belonging in every child reached,” the deputy governor stated.

Commenting on Oando Foundation’s ongoing efforts to bridge educational gaps through the LEARNOVATE-FLIP program, the Head of Oando Foundation, Tonia Uduimoh said: “Education is fundamental, and as a foundation committed to social impact, we believe it’s our responsibility to complement government efforts where it matters most. Since 2023, our work has been anchored on the LEARNOVATE strategy, with a strong focus on improving foundational literacy and numeracy.

“When a child gains basic reading and mathematics skills early, it doesn’t just prepare them for the next grade, it sets them up for lifelong learning. But we also know that too many children, especially those on the margins of society, are being left behind. Under the LEARNOVATE-FLIP programme, we’re not only supporting children already in school, but we’re also working to identify and reintegrate out-of-school children into the formal education system. What you’re seeing today in Plateau State is a direct result of that effort. Over 4,000 children have been mobilized so far and integrated into formal education across Plateau, Sokoto, and Ebonyi States. What we are doing is to provide basic resources and support, and we are committed to ensuring every child succeeds.”

Through this LEARNOVATE-FLIP intervention, the Oando Foundation is addressing learning poverty by equipping early-grade learners with the tools they need to succeed academically while creating an enabling environment that encourages school retention.

Launched in 2024, LEARNOVATE-FLIP is designed to improve foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes among primary school learners across four states: Ebonyi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Adamawa.