The Development Research and Project Centre (dRPC) has awarded a ₦5 million grant to Rising Hope Girls’ Educational Foundation to set up digital laboratories across ten underserved communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The initiative is designed to expand access to digital resources for young girls, particularly in schools and communities with little or no technological infrastructure.
Speaking at the commissioning of one of the digital labs at Junior Secondary School, Chikakore in Kubwa, dRPC’s Executive Director, Dr. Judith-Ann Walker—represented by the Centre’s Director of Partnerships Development and Communication, Hassan Karofi—said the funding forms part of the NGO Support Initiative (NSI), created to help local organizations overcome recent cuts in foreign aid. “At dRPC, the education of our children is a commitment, and we will continue to invest in it,” she noted.
The Project Director of Rising Hope Girls’ Educational Foundation, David Ahanor, explained that the labs are fully equipped with computers, whiteboards, and internet modems, serving as hubs for digital learning and creative teaching methods. He added that the programme will also cover school fee grants for 100 girls, train over 150 teachers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy and safe school practices, and engage more than 500 students in data training. Communities such as Byzhin, Kubwa, Dutsen-Alhaji, Karon-Majiji, Pasali, Kuje, and Gwarinpa will benefit.
Principal of JSS Chikakore, Ishaya Dogo, praised the intervention as a “beacon of hope,” stressing that the support would not only enhance learning but also secure brighter futures for pupils.
Also speaking, the Acting Executive Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Dr. Alhassan Sule—represented by Deputy Director, Curriculum, NSA Rabo—commended the initiative, describing education as a shared responsibility and calling on more NGOs to step in.
The commissioning was attended by parents, community leaders, officials from the Chikakore chief’s palace, and members of the school’s Parents Teachers Association.
