By Esther Onyegbula

In a move to deepen digital literacy among pupils in underserved communities, the Biodun Coker Foundation, BCF, on Wednesday inaugurated a fully equipped Information and Communication Technology, ICT, Centre at Holy Trinity Primary School, Lagos Island, pledging to expand access to digital education across Isale-Eko.

Founder of the foundation, Mr. Biodun Coker, said the intervention was aimed at exposing pupils to digital skills early in life and bridging the technology gap in public primary schools within the axis.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Coker said the project was a fulfilment of a promise made during his engagement with community leaders in 2025 when he aspired for the Lagos Island Local Government chairmanship under the All Progressives Congress, APC.

He disclosed that during his campaign visit to the school, a suggestion was made that 20 computers initially proposed for donation to Edward Blyden Memorial School be distributed across 10 schools.

“On the surface, it sounded fair, balanced and strategic, but we said no, because two computers cannot transform a school. Two computers cannot build digital confidence and create lasting impact,” he said.
Coker noted that Holy Trinity Primary School, which has existed for 135 years in Isale-Eko, had never had a dedicated digital learning centre until now.

“Today is not just an inauguration; it is a promise fulfilled. In 2025, we equipped Edward Blyden Memorial School. Today, Holy Trinity becomes the second ICT Centre under the Biodun Coker Foundation,” he said.
According to him, the school was selected because of the professionalism and enthusiasm of its staff, adding that the centre would also serve as a digital hub for neighbouring schools in Isale-Eko.
He revealed that the foundation had earlier established a fully functional ICT centre in Olowogbowo, Lagos Island, where over 1,000 students had graduated.

“We believe that centre is already effectively serving that axis. So this intervention at Holy Trinity is strategic — to expand access, avoid duplication and ensure that digital opportunities reach deeper into Isale-Eko,” he added.

Coker explained that the space allocated for the project was initially a dumping ground filled with abandoned papers and unused items.

“Many would have walked away, but we did not. We cleared the clutter and redesigned the space. We upgraded the electrical systems and installed 20 high-performance computer systems. We ensured advanced projection technology was fully in place. We did not just donate equipment; we delivered excellence,” he said.

Addressing the pupils, he urged them to take advantage of the facility.

“This centre belongs to you. Inside that room, you are not just learning computers; you are learning the language of the future. You are stepping into a global world of opportunity. Dream bigger, think wider and aim higher,” he said.

In his remarks, the Headteacher of the school, Mr. Anthony Dasilver, said the centre would end years of inconvenience for pupils who previously travelled to Aroloya for computer lessons.

“For many years, our pupils went to Aroloya School for computer training. When the foundation came, I felt so happy that someone remembered us. With this centre, our school has become the University of Lagos Island,” he said.

A representative of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Mr. Stephen Taiwo, described the initiative as one that would create greater opportunities for youths in Isale-Eko to excel academically.
Similarly, the Education Secretary, Lagos Island Education Authority, Mr. Kudus Abari, assured that qualified computer teachers would be deployed to the school to maximise the use of the facility.

Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of APC in Lagos State, Mr. Moshood Mayegun, commended Coker’s contribution to educational development in Lagos Island.

“I came to honour him here today. Coker is changing the political narrative in Lagos Island. His efforts for the development of education are identified and recognised,” he said.

An alumnus of the school, Dr. Owoyemi Elegbeleye, urged pupils to dream big and believe in themselves, while Master Elegbeleye, speaking on behalf of the pupils, expressed appreciation to the foundation and other supporters for the donation.

Traditional rulers, APC chieftains, elected office holders and residents of Lagos Island attended the event.