Access to energy, education key to SDGs, says Schneider Electric
Country President, Schneider Electric, Anglophone Africa, Ajibola Akindele has said access to energy and education are vital to the attainment of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly
Country President, Schneider Electric, Anglophone Africa, Ajibola Akindele has said access to energy and education are vital to the attainment of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
Akindele spoke during the inauguration of a solar power system (an initiative of the power company, at Ikeja Central Grammar School in Lagos,. The lighting brings reliable and sustainable electricity to a school community of over 500 students and teachers
He emphasized the critical role of reliable energy in supporting effective learning environments for both students and teachers. “It is an honour and a privilege for us to support the students and teachers here at Ikeja Central Grammar School. At Schneider Electric, access to energy and access to education are core priorities for us. Oftentimes when we think about impact projects, we focus on universities and tertiary institutions, while unintentionally overlooking the children who need support the most, those in primary and secondary schools.
“The younger learners represent the future, and their journey begins at this foundational stage. For that reason, we believe it is important to direct investment towards them, building stronger foundations that can lead to better outcomes in the long-term. For Schneider Electric, our expectation is to expand initiatives like this across Nigeria, reaching more children and helping to build a brighter future for the next generation,” he said.
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The project forms part of Schneider Electric’s global Access to Energy initiative, which focuses on expanding electricity access to underserved communities and essential services such as education and healthcare. Implemented with the approval of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and with the support of trusted partners, the project marks the first of Schneider Electric’s community impact initiatives scheduled for 2026.
Present at the official commissioning were Executive Chairman, Onigbongbo LCDA, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo; Head Teacher, Ikeja Central Grammar School, Mrs. Sanni Kudirat; Marketing Manager, Schneider Electric, Anglophone Africa, Omobolanle Omotayo; Access to Energy Business Development Manager, West Africa, Agbaje Adebayo; and Access to Education Coordinator, Schneider Electric, West Africa, Funmi Olakitan, alongside partners and community stakeholders.
Across Nigeria, limited access to electricity continues to shape the educational experience of millions of students. Estimates suggest that more than half of public primary and junior secondary schools operate without reliable power, restricting access to digital learning tools, limiting classroom comfort, and making it difficult for teachers to deliver lessons effectively.
By introducing solar powered electricity to Ikeja Central Grammar School, Schneider Electric is helping create a more stable and conducive learning environment.
The installed solution includes a PV capacity of 3.3kWp, a 4kW hybrid inverter, and a 10kW battery storage system. The system generates an average of 12 kWh of energy daily. To ensure reliability and efficiency, the solution is remotely monitored through Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Energy Access platform, providing performance visibility and enabling real time switching to power the facility according to the school’s weekly operating hours.
Recognizing the positive impact of the initiative on students and teachers at Ikeja Central Grammar School, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, Executive Chairman Onigbongbo, LCDA expressed the Council’s commitment to supporting and strengthening the effort. “We are committed to supporting and channeling this CSR initiative, and we look forward to further exploring and building partnership opportunities with Schneider Electric to benefit more students across the state,” he said.
For the school community, the impact of the project is immediate and transformative.
Head Teacher, Ikeja Central Grammar School, Mrs. Sanni Kudirat, expressed gratitude and highlighted the improvements the solar installation has already introduced to daily school life.
“We are very grateful. Schneider Electric came at the perfect time. Before the installation, the school experienced two years of limited access to reliable electricity, which made it difficult to power essential facilities and technology learning tools. The children are extremely excited because light has finally come, and our classrooms are now properly lit. The solar panels are providing electricity for water, fans, internet, offices, and other administrative activities.
“Now, students are happier to come to a conducive learning environment. We can already see improvements in their concentration and participation.” she said.
Beyond improving classroom conditions, the project also introduces students to the possibilities of clean and renewable energy, helping build early awareness of sustainable technologies.
By bringing reliable electricity to classrooms that once struggled with energy access, Schneider Electric is helping power school infrastructure while opening new pathways for learning, innovation, and opportunity for the next generation of Nigerians.
