Fareedah Oyolola: Nigerian genius kid putting Nigeria on the global stage while giving back to society

*Youth-led initiative defies heavy rain to reach public school pupils

*Fareedah Oyolola: From global scholar at 13 to humanitarian leader

*EduSpark by Tomorrow’s People: Empowering underprivileged children through education

*Ifeoluwa Onafowokan: Collaboration creates greater impact

*School authorities praise students’ compassion and leadership

*Parents celebrate Fareedah’s growth and achievements

*Pupils express gratitude and hope for the future

*Initiative a powerful example of youth-driven social impact in Nigeria – Observers

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

What made the outreach remarkable was not only the impact on hundreds of pupils but the fact that it was driven entirely by teenagers under the age of 17 who chose to use their privilege, influence, and intellect to uplift less privileged children through education.

The Yoruba saying, “Eyin nín di Akúkó” — meaning “the young of today are the leaders of tomorrow” — came vividly to life on Friday, May 22, 2026, as teenage changemakers Fareedah Oyolola and Ifeoluwa Onafowokan led an inspiring educational outreach in Lagos State under their initiative, EduSpark by Tomorrow’s People.

What made the outreach remarkable was not only the impact on hundreds of pupils but the fact that it was driven entirely by teenagers under the age of 17 who chose to use their privilege, influence, and intellect to uplift less privileged children through education.

Despite threatening weather conditions, heavy rainfall, and loud thunderstorm warnings, Fareedah, Ifeoluwa, and over 30 student volunteers remained committed to their mission. Accompanied by security personnel and arriving in four vehicles, the students proceeded with the outreach at Expressway Nursery and Primary School I, Ikosi Road, Ketu, Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

School authorities described the gesture as unprecedented, noting that they had rarely witnessed such a level of compassion and organization from secondary school students.

Fareedah Oyolola has continued to gain recognition as one of Nigeria’s brightest young minds. The teenage prodigy first attracted global attention after becoming an international scholar at the age of 13 — a milestone that placed her among exceptional young intellectuals worldwide.

However, beyond her academic brilliance, Fareedah is now earning admiration for her commitment to humanitarian service and youth empowerment.

Speaking during the outreach programme, she explained that the vision behind EduSpark was inspired by her participation in the Rise for The World Competition, a platform focused on encouraging young people to create practical solutions for societal challenges.

According to her, “Our mission for this initiative is to provide much-needed educational resources to underprivileged and marginalized students across Lagos, Nigeria.”

The outreach programme was organized under the banner of EduSpark by Tomorrow’s People, a non-governmental initiative jointly led by Fareedah Oyolola and her close friend, Ifeoluwa Onafowokan, both students of Greensprings Secondary School, Lagos.

The initiative donated books, writing materials, and educational supplies to hundreds of pupils in the public school, which has a student population of over 450 children.

The atmosphere at the school was filled with excitement, gratitude, and emotional reactions as pupils, teachers, and members of the community watched the teenagers distribute educational materials aimed at improving access to learning opportunities.

Fareedah disclosed that the project had already impacted more than 300 less privileged children in the Okobaba community before extending its outreach to Ketu.

She explained, “Tomorrow’s People started as my foundation in 2023, but EduSpark has now become a shared vision between myself and Ifeoluwa. We both realized that we came from privileged homes and had access to educational resources that many children do not have.”

Co-founder and project lead, Ifeoluwa Onafowokan, revealed that the partnership emerged during a CAS (Creative Activities and Services) class project.

According to her, “One thing we want people to understand is that we achieve more when we work together. Partnership allows people to pool resources, ideas, and energy to create greater impact.”

He described collaborating with Fareedah on the initiative as one of the best decisions he had made.

The management of Expressway Nursery and Primary School I commended the students for choosing to support school pupils especially in their own public school.

School Manager, Mr. Olurantimi Henry Ajibulu, described the initiative as extraordinary and emotionally touching.

According to him, “For teenagers to identify less privileged children and decide to support them voluntarily is beyond imagination. Choosing our school for this outreach is something we deeply appreciate.”

Assistant School Manager, Mrs. Foluke Akinduro, also praised the students and their parents for nurturing a culture of compassion, leadership, and social responsibility.

She stated, “These young people are showing society that education is not only about academic success but also about impacting lives positively.”

Fareedah’s mother, Mrs. Rasheedah Oyolola, expressed gratitude to God for her daughter’s accomplishments while acknowledging the important role played by her husband, Mr. Yusuf Oyolola, in supporting their daughter’s development.

She noted that Fareedah’s journey reflects dedication, discipline, parental support, and divine guidance.

One of the beneficiaries, John Destiny, a Primary Four pupil at the school, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the student volunteers.

In emotional remarks delivered in his own good spoken English, John said, “I am so excited about what they have done. May God bless them and continue to help them.”

He promised to use the donated educational materials diligently in pursuit of his academic goals.

Observers at the outreach described the programme as a shining example of how Nigerian youths can drive meaningful social change when empowered with purpose and compassion.

Rather than focusing solely on personal achievements, Fareedah Oyolola and her team chose to channel their success into community development and educational support for vulnerable children.

Their story continues to inspire many across Nigeria and beyond, proving that age is not a barrier to leadership, service, or nation-building.

As the outreach concluded with smiles, applause, and words of appreciation from pupils and teachers, one message became clear: Nigeria’s future remains bright in the hands of visionary young people determined to make a difference.

The outreach was successfully executed by a dedicated team of student volunteers, including: Fareedah Oyolola — Founder, EduSpark & Project Lead; Ifeoluwa Onafowokan — Co-Founder & Project Lead; Sharon Ayodeji-Ojo — Financial Team Lead; Lynette Hunponu-Wusu — Event Lead; Anita Ogba — Logistics Lead; Ademinitioluwa Ogunwuyi — Logistics Lead; Leyla Olarenwaju — Advertisement and Engagement Lead and Maimunah Salako — Advertisement and Engagement Lead.

Other team members included: Aisha Odukoya, Belema Oruene, Michelle Onwubuya, Oluwapamilerinayo Osho, Tiaraoluwa Olusola-Sanni, Oluwafifehanmi Omolayole, Kosisochukwu Ugboh, Oluwatobi Bajomo, David Amaefule, Raluolisa Chidi-Abali, Oluwabukunmi Willoughby, Ololade Agbaoye, Riritarioluwa Doherty, Oluwadabira Adedoyin, Happiness Egede, Alvin Gbeja, Precious Sodolamu, Aderinsola Adebajo, Olivia Nurudeen, Kobi Okaro, Daniella Ozoemena, Oluwatoniloba Adeagbo, Idara Attah, and Mofehintoluwa Falola.