A new wave of hope is sweeping through Nigeria’s public schools as the Create That Change Development Initiative (CCDI), in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland, on Wednesday commissioned new toilet and library facilities at LEA Primary School, Sheritti, Kabusa, in Abuja, marking a fresh push to restore dignity, hygiene, and learning standards among pupils in the Federal Capital Territory.
The intervention forms part of CCDI’s Public School Revival Initiative (PSRI), a nationwide programme designed to rescue dilapidated schools and create safer, healthier spaces for children.
Executive Director of CCDI, Sharon Ayeni, said the project represents more than just a donation it is a call to action to reposition Nigeria’s public education system where learning conditions have fallen below standards.
“Access to clean toilets is a basic right, not a luxury,” Ayeni declared. “Libraries open doors to knowledge and brighter futures. We want to restore dignity and health in our schools because these children deserve better.”
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Ayeni lamented the poor state of public school infrastructure across the country, noting that many pupils still study under trees or sit on bare floors due to the lack of desks and maintenance. “It’s demoralising to see students sitting on the ground when they could be sitting at desks,” she said. “CCDI is working with other stakeholders to address these challenges, but government support is essential.”
Under the first phase of the PSRI, supported by the Swiss Embassy, CCDI has already delivered four toilet blocks and three libraries to public schools across the FCT. Ayeni appealed for more donors to expand the initiative to other states, stressing that “the revival of public education must be a shared national responsibility.”
The Deputy Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Mr. Siamak Rouhani, said the partnership aligns with Switzerland’s long-term goal of supporting both basic and vocational education in Nigeria, describing education as “the most powerful tool for transformation.” “Education is vital for children’s future,” Rouhani said. “With good education, they can find jobs, integrate into the labour market, and contribute meaningfully to their society.”
He added that while Swiss companies in Nigeria continue to support vocational training, the embassy’s partnership with CCDI focuses on strengthening the foundational education that forms the base for lifelong learning.
For Mrs. Afiniki Shekwagu, Head Teacher of LEA Primary School, the intervention is nothing short of transformational. “This is a joyful day for us,” she said. “The new facilities will make teaching and learning more effective and improve our pupils’ wellbeing. It’s truly a dream come true for our school.”
Shekwagu appealed for additional support in providing classroom furniture, computers, and renovations to complement the new facilities and further enhance the school’s learning environment.
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Representing the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Salamatu Manjalo praised CCDI and the Swiss Embassy for their support and urged the school to maintain the facilities for long-term use. “We will be coming back to check how these facilities are used. Please take good care of them,” she said firmly.
Community leaders, including Sheritti village head Abdullahi Haruna Magaji, also expressed gratitude, describing the gesture as an investment in the community’s future. “CCDI and the Swiss Embassy are investing in the future of these young ones,” said Jasper Ogbonna, a member of CCDI’s Board of Trustees. “When you see these children excel in life, remember it started here from what is being done today.”
Beyond the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, the CCDI–Swiss partnership reflects a deeper mission: to rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s public education system through community-driven development, infrastructure renewal, and child-focused advocacy.
As pupils of LEA Sheritti sang and danced around their new facilities, one message echoed through the gathering that dignity in education begins with the basics, and small interventions like toilets and libraries can ignite big changes for the next generation.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
