| Adebayo Daniel Feranmi
IJESHA IJEBU, OGUN STATE — Babcock University has reaffirmed its commitment to community development and experiential learning as students from the Department of Social Work, Veronica Adeleke School of Social Sciences, embarked on a community outreach to Ijesha Ijebu Comprehensive High School on April 14, 2026.
Social Work students of Babcock University during their community outreach to Ijesha Ijebu Comprehensive High School, Ogun State.
The outreach, led by the Head of Department, Professor Rita Ezeokoli, involved over 53 students and was part of their academic course designed to integrate classroom learning with practical, real-world engagement. As part of the initiative, the students collaborated with the host community to support the establishment of a science laboratory for the secondary school. In a significant contribution to the project, the team donated four high-security doors to enhance the safety and sustainability of the facility.
High-security doors donated by Babcock University students to support the development of a science laboratory at Ijesha Ijebu Comprehensive High School.
Beyond infrastructure support, the outreach also featured interactive educational sessions facilitated by the students. The sessions addressed critical topics including sex education, bullying, cleanliness, sanitation, and the importance of education. The engagement was highly participatory, enabling the secondary school students to actively interact, ask questions, and gain valuable life and academic skills.
Babcock University students engaging secondary school pupils in interactive sessions on health, personal development, and education.
Speaking on the initiative, the Head of Department, Professor Rita Ezeokoli, noted that the outreach reflects the core essence of social work education. She emphasized that such field-based experiences equip students with the competence and empathy required to address societal challenges effectively.
This outreach is a reflection of our commitment to training students who are not only academically sound but also socially responsive and community-driven,” she stated.
Professor Rita Ezeokoli addressing students and community members during the outreach programme.
The initiative aligns with key global development priorities, particularly in advancing Quality Education, promoting inclusive and safe learning environments, and strengthening partnerships as emphasized in Partnerships for the Goals. It also contributes to building sustainable communities in line with Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Furthermore, the outreach reflects Babcock University’s GRACE mandate—demonstrating Global Relevance through alignment with international development goals; Research Focus through practical application of academic learning; Adventist-rooted service in community engagement; Competence and Community impact through student involvement; and Entrepreneurial thinking in delivering innovative solutions to societal needs.
Through initiatives such as this, Babcock University continues to position itself as a leading institution committed to academic excellence, character development, and meaningful societal impact.
Group photograph of Babcock University Social Work students, faculty, and members of Ijesha Ijebu Comprehensive High School community after the outreach programme.