Ijapa Books collaborated with United Way Nigeria (UWGN), a leading non-profit organization making an impact on education and social change in Nigeria, West Africa.
One of UWGN’s focus areas is to provide access to quality education that focus on early learning, eliminate barriers to education for the girl child, facilitate the acquisition of concrete skills for employment, address specific learning difficulties, and enhance opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Ijapa Books donated 167 books and 35 audio CDs to the three public primary schools in Lagos State that participated: Tinubu Methodist Primary School, St. John Catholic Primary School, and Alapere Nursery/Primary School.
The initiative held on 10th December 2025 was to:
- Promote a love for reading books in underserved public primary schools
- Reintroduce indigenous stories and moral values using Ijapa the cunning but loveable tortoise-themed books
- Develop essential life skills such as comprehension, creativity, and cultural awareness
- Reward outstanding pupils and motivate continued excellence by presenting them with books in recognition of their hard work
- Facilitate an ongoing school-based reading culture
120 pupils participated in the one-day reading workshop which was supported by six United Way volunteers, teachers, and school leadership.
Alapere Primary School, Lagos, Nigeria
“I love the reading session because I learnt new words like dazzled, cunning,and wiliest.”–Joseph Yakubu, Primary 2.
“Acknowledging the students who performed well across the different classes was a really good idea. As you know, we do not have a dedicated prize-giving day for pupils, but I am sure this recognition will motivate them to do even more.”— Ms. Aliyu, Primary 3 Class Teacher.
St John Catholic Primary School, Lagos, Nigeria
“Before now, I did not know how the game of ten tenis played but with the way it was described, I understand it now. I will try to join my mates when they play.”– Kola Anosi.
“We are grateful to United Way Nigeria and Ijapa Books for the support provided to our pupils and the donation of these books to the school library. The pupils are very happy to have books they can read and share with their friends and classmates during free periods.”— Mrs. Ayoola, Headmistress.
Tinubu Methodist Primary School, Lagos, Nigeria
“I now know what 1 is in Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo which I didn’t know before.” – Perpetual Johnson, Primary 1.
“We are really excited and grateful for the donation. For a long time, we have hoped for support or donations of learning materials for our students, and Ijapa Books has made that hope a reality.”
— Mr. Sinkalu, Head Teacher.
