US-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, Johanah Napoleon, widely recognized as “Ms. Jay,” has unveiled an ambitious educational project, the “Back to School Initiative.” This initiative focuses on delivering essential educational resources to underserved public schools in the slums of Lagos and other regions of western Nigeria, aiming to foster better learning environments for students facing severe resource shortages.
Speaking from the U.S., Napoleon shared that her motivation for initiating the project stemmed from growing concerns over the rising numbers of out-of-school teenagers and the deteriorating quality of public education, especially in impoverished areas. “Many public schools, particularly those in slum areas, grapple with low enrollment, inadequate facilities, a lack of qualified teaching staff, and a severe shortage of basic resources such as textbooks, desks, and teaching aids,” she explained. “In some instances, the buildings are poorly maintained and unsafe, leaving students and teachers vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.”
In response, Ms. Jay is spearheading efforts to raise funds and gather resources necessary to support these struggling schools. “For me, this is a personal social responsibility project,” she said. “Last year, we were in Haiti, contributing to the construction of a canal. This time, I wanted to focus on education, particularly in Nigeria, where many of my friends are from. I want to ensure that schools in places like Makoko and Dustbin Estate have the essential learning materials they need and can provide a safer, more conducive educational environment for children living there.”
Through the “Back to School Initiative,” Johanah aims to support at least 150 students in public primary schools across various districts in Lagos, including Makoko, Agege, Mushin, Olodo-Apapa, and Ajegunle. “Education is a driving force for development in any community or state,” she said. “I want these young students to have the same opportunities as their peers in more affluent areas and for their teachers to feel valued and supported.”
Ms. Jay’s nonprofit, the Johanah Napoleon Foundation, will lead the initiative, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to charitable causes and community empowerment. While Napoleon is personally financing 80% of the project, she is seeking additional support from friends and well-wishers to cover the remaining 20%. “Charity begins at home,” she noted, “and I believe in starting with my community before expanding the initiative to other regions.”
Napoleon’s efforts underscore the crucial role that private sector and community-led initiatives can play in supplementing government resources to meet educational needs. With global attention often focused on crises like wars, refugee displacement, and struggling economies, Ms. Jay hopes her initiative will spotlight the power of grassroots actions in addressing educational and infrastructure challenges in marginalized communities.
Her “Back to School Initiative” is a testament to the belief that every child deserves an opportunity to learn in a safe, supportive environment, regardless of their background or the economic state of their community. Through this initiative, Johanah Napoleon is not only raising awareness but also taking concrete steps to make a lasting impact in Nigeria’s education sector, starting with some of the most underserved areas.
