GEW 2024: BIC Drives Education Transformation, To Empower 250m Students by 2025

Funmi Ogundare

BIC, one of the leading manufacturers of stationery, lighters and shavers, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing education in Nigeria through series of multifaceted initiatives commemorating Global Education Week (GEW) 2024.

The organisation said it is also committed to improving learning conditions for 250 million students by 2025.

This year’s activity focused on empowering students and teachers; and fostering inclusive learning environments.

By working with long-term partners, Let It Shine Academy (LISA), Morit International School, and the Local Government Nursery and Primary School and Inclusive Unit in Igando, BIC equipped classrooms with the necessary writing, self-expression, and learning materials, as well as hosted hundreds of teachers at a virtual workshop.

The workshop which focused on inclusive learning, had the theme, ‘Fostering Inclusive Classrooms: Strategies for Empowering Every Learner’. It was led by BIC’s strategic education partners, Oluwaseun Kayode, CEO and founder of Schoolinka; Olasukanmi Opeifa, founder of the Olasukanmi Opeifa Educational Foundation; and Michael Showunmi, founder of Raising Star Africa.

Speaking at the event, Anthony Amahwe, General Manager, BIC Nigeria, explained that its commitment to education is deeply rooted in its vision to build a future where learning is inclusive, sustainable, and accessible to all. 

“Through a holistic approach that combines equipping classrooms to support learners and educators, creating inspirational learning environments, unleashing students’ creativity, and supporting learners as they transition from the academic into the professional world, we aim to deliver meaningful and lasting impact in the communities in which we operate,” he said.

Amahwe described education as the foundation for societal transformation, saying that the organisation’s initiatives further reinforce its dedication to empowering generations of learners and contributing towards a robust educational ecosystem. 

“Our long-term vision is to continue fostering an environment where education not only shapes knowledge, but also equips young people with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world,” he said.

Amahwe added that BIC’s commitment to education is translated into action throughout the year, as part of the commitment of its sustainable development programme, ‘ Writing the Future Together’. 

“Global Education Week is annually commemorated by the organisation globally in November where team members dedicate their time to connecting and giving back to their communities, through on ground activity including donations and school refurbishment.

“Run by BIC’s philanthropic arm, the BIC Corporate Foundation, Global Education Week has expanded its offerings to include a teacher’s guide to help educators incorporate creativity into their curriculum and in the classroom. Through its strategic partnerships and sustainable initiatives throughout the year, BIC remains at the forefront of shaping a future where education is inclusive, transformative, and capable of driving long-term societal progress,” the general manager said.