About 35,000 out of 54,000 primary schools lack electricity and operate without power. This limits access to digital tools, reduces study time especially after dark, and hampers quality education delivery. Lack of electricity in schools contributes to poor learning environments and perpetuates educational inequality, especially in rural areas. Improved energy access is vital for enhancing literacy and educational outcomes in Nigeria’s primary schools
Christmas has come early for over 500 pupils of Central State Primary School, Omuohia-Igwuruta and Umuebulu Primary School, Umuebulu in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Not in the form of new clothes, shoes, or food; but in the gift of life-changing educational tools.
Today, in commemoration of the World Literacy Day 2025, through the launch of the Sun Books Literacy Initiative, pupils in these schools will receive solar-powered tablets preloaded with literacy content, interactive modules, and culturally relevant lessons, while their classrooms were outfitted with solar panels to guarantee uninterrupted learning.
This feat was made possible through the launch of the Sun Books Literacy Initiative, a landmark partnership between Heirs Energies Ltd, Africa’s leading integrated energy company, and the World Literacy Foundation (WLF), a global non-profit dedicated to eradicating literacy.
These tablets, for the children, are not playthings or symbols of uniqueness. They are windows of opportunity to a brand new world of accomplishments; of new vistas of exploration and learning for the pupils.
And it doesn’t stop there.
The schools will be outfitted by Heirs Energies with Solar Power systems to ensure uninterrupted power for the devices and classrooms; creating sustainable access to education within the company’s OML 17 Host communities. The teachers are not left out as they will be equipped with training to seamlessly integrate digital tools into their lessons, ensuring that the programme delivers long-term impact and not just short-term excitement.
As of late 2024, Nigeria has approximately 18.3 million out-of-school children, with about 10.2 million at the primary school level. UNESCO estimates that one in three children in Nigeria cannot read or write at the expected level by age 10, with rural areas and girls most severely affected. Compounding the issue is a shortage of over 165,000 primary school teachers, limiting the country’s ability to provide quality education. Addressing both the high number of out-of-school children and the teacher deficit is critical to improving Nigeria’s education system.
Speaking at the launch, Engr. Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies linked the project to the company’s community empowerment vision:
“As an integrated energy company, we know that renewable and sustainable energy must serve a greater purpose — building stronger, more resilient communities. Our investment in literacy is an investment in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. This initiative reflects our Africapitalism philosophy – creating social good while delivering economic value. With Sun Books, we are empowering children to dream beyond their circumstances and equipping teachers with tools to make learning engaging and inclusive.”
Providing a global context, Mr. Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, highlighted the significance of the collaboration:
“This partnership with Heirs Energies demonstrates the power of cross-sector collaboration. By combining renewable energy and digital learning, we are providing children with the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed – regardless of geography or circumstance. Together, we are closing the literacy gap in underserved communities and preparing the next generation for the digital economy.”
Applauding the initiative, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) His Royal Majesty, Dr. Samuel Amaechi said:
“This initiative shows what is possible when companies listen to their host communities and act in partnership. Education is the greatest legacy we can give our children. With the Sun Books programme, our schools now have the tools to prepare them for the future. We thank Heirs Energies and the World Literacy Foundation for investing in our children and in the long-term prosperity of our communities.”
The Sun Books programme has a history of impact. Originally launched in Uganda, the initiative has impacted on over 17,000 children, trained more than 280 teachers, and supported over 48,000 families across Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa.
Todays’ launch of Sun Books is expected to address the structural gaps in primary level learning within resource-limited environments by providing offline-first digital learning tools. The initiative is designed as the launchpad for the unveiling of the Heirs Energies Power Schools Initiative, which aims to deploy clean energy and digital infrastructure across schools in its host communities.
According to Heirs Energies, this launch aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy), reinforcing both organisations’ shared commitment to building inclusive, sustainable, and knowledge-driven societies.
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