British Airways has donated laptops to beneficiaries of IA-Foundation as part of efforts to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and improve access to technology-driven education for out-of-school children.

The donation was officially announced after a handover ceremony held in Lagos, where representatives of British Airways, IA-Foundation officials, and beneficiaries gathered to mark the initiative.

Chairman of IA-Foundation, Diran Famakinwa, received the laptops on behalf of the organisation alongside members of staff and the children who will benefit from the programme.

Representing British Airways at the event were Account Managers Peju Diya and Mr. Bodunrin, as well as the airline’s Administration Manager, Matthew Akano.

According to IA-Foundation, the donated laptops will significantly improve access to digital learning resources for many children who have had little or no opportunity to use computers during their education.

The organisation explained that the devices will support computer literacy, online research, digital learning, and other educational activities that are increasingly important in today’s technology-driven world.

Programme Manager of IA-Foundation, Ms. Ope Adedara, described the donation as a timely intervention that will strengthen the foundation’s mission of giving vulnerable children the tools they need to succeed academically.

She expressed appreciation to British Airways for supporting the organisation’s efforts to prepare beneficiaries for the digital future through improved access to technology.

The laptops will be integrated into the foundation’s educational programmes to enhance learning experiences and promote digital inclusion among disadvantaged children.

Founder of IA-Foundation, Ibironke Adeagbo, said the donation reflects growing recognition by private sector organisations of the importance of digital inclusion in addressing Nigeria’s education challenges.

She noted that reducing the number of out-of-school children and closing the digital gap requires collaboration between governments, businesses, development partners, and individuals.

Adeagbo also emphasized that solving Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis is a shared responsibility that demands sustained collective action.

Nigeria continues to face one of the world’s largest out-of-school children populations, with estimates showing that more than 18 million school-age children remain outside the formal education system. Factors such as poverty, insecurity, child labour, early marriage, displacement, and inadequate educational infrastructure continue to contribute to the challenge.

Education experts have also identified limited access to digital technology as another major barrier to quality education. Many children in underserved communities still lack computers, internet connectivity, and digital literacy skills, making it difficult for them to compete in an increasingly digital economy.

While government initiatives through agencies such as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and other education programmes continue to improve school enrolment, stakeholders believe stronger partnerships with private organisations are essential to expanding educational opportunities and improving digital access.

IA-Foundation has remained committed to returning vulnerable children to school through advocacy, sponsorship programmes, and innovative digital solutions. The organisation recently introduced the IA Portal, a platform that connects sponsors with out-of-school children in need of educational support.

Education advocates say initiatives like British Airways’ laptop donation complement government efforts by equipping disadvantaged learners with essential digital skills while creating greater opportunities for academic success and future employment.