By Dayo Adesulu

UAC of Nigeria Plc has again demonstrated its strong commitment towards enhancing the future of the next generation of Nigerians through its intervention efforts in the education sector of the country.

Last week in Lagos, the conglomerate commenced the Free Weekend Classes series of its annual UAC Goodness League, a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative which seeks to create an improved life for Nigerian children.

The fourth in its series, the six-week programme assists thousands of students solve the riddles of making good grades in different subjects in their examination as well as provide lead on how to make an edge in life.

Taiwo Falade, UAC of Nigeria Plc Staff, in a session with students at the on-going UAC Goodness League Free Weekend Classes at Gbagada Senior Grammar School, Lagos.....Saturday

The Free Weekend Classes offer students hitch-free tutorials in secondary school subjects, including Guidance and Counselling. The classes are handled by UAC’s volunteers drawn from the various units and departments of the company who prepare participants for the Senior Secondary School Certificate and the National Examination Council of Nigeria (NECO) examinations.

Apart from imparting knowledge, the UAC Goodness League has also provided succour for several schools and students across the country through the supply of infrastructure since its commencement in 2007. The company’s intervention programme, which covers rehabilitation of dilapidated school blocks, supply of furniture and provision of comprehensive science equipment, has benefited several schools.

They include St Finbarr’s College, Akoka, CMS Grammar School, Bariga, both in Lagos; Rumfa College, Kano, Alhundahuda College, Zaria, Government College, Kaduna, Government Secondary School, Gwale, Kano and Holy Trinity College, Mbiakong, Akwa Ibom State.

According to Mr Larry Ettah, Group Managing Director/CEO, UAC of Nigeria Plc, the Goodness League programme was conceived to impart knowledge and inspire the future generation of Nigerians to rise to the pinnacle of their career and have the best out of life.

“Each generation should be an improvement from the previous one. The son of an okada rider (commercial motorcyclist) must not also end up as okada man. Education is the key to achieving this. The idea is to raise youths with great future who will add value to our society,” Ettah explained.

He said that UAC managers and directors who serve as volunteer teachers are indeed role models who the students look up to and aspire to be like. He explained that the programme is one of the ways in which the company gives back to the society.

On their part, beneficiaries of the on-going Free Weekend Classes commend the company for the initiative. Waheed Sanyaolu, an SSS III student of Lanre Awolokun Senior High School, Gbagada, Lagos, said that he has benefitted immensely from the classes.

“I am better equipped on how to go about choosing a career for myself. I want UAC to continue the good work,” Sanyaolu said. He urged his fellow students to take advantage of the company’s good gestures to drink from the wealth of experience of the volunteers. This year’s edition ends on September 10.