The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has expanded its annual Equipping School Library Project to include boys’ schools across Lagos State. The initiative now combines the donation of books and educational materials with mentorship sessions focused on career development and social vices, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
For the 2026 edition, the beneficiary schools include Boys Academy Senior and Junior Schools, Sura, Obalende; Ajayi Crowther Memorial Senior Grammar School, Bariga; Archdeacon Adelaja Senior High School, Bariga; and Army Cantonment Boys Senior and Junior Secondary Schools, Ojo.
During the outreach, Mrs. Blessing Osakwe-Ogo (JP), SWAN’s National Chairperson, emphasised the Society’s commitment to empowerment and education for both genders. She highlighted the importance of access to quality educational resources for the intellectual growth and future success of young people.
“SWAN believes in knowledge, research, exploration, learning, and continuous improvement. Without knowledge, both students and professionals cannot attain their full potential. This is why equipping school libraries with professional and contemporary books remains one of our core objectives,” she explained.
The initiative aims to empower and inspire both the girl-child and boy-child, foster a reading culture among secondary school pupils, raise awareness about SWAN and the accounting profession, donate books to school libraries, establish SWAN Future Accountants’ Clubs, and organise quiz competitions, among other goals.
Osakwe-Ogo urged students to develop the habit of reading and to utilise their school libraries for research and personal growth, regardless of financial constraints. She also introduced the students to the accounting profession as a versatile and highly sought-after career path offering numerous opportunities for advancement and leadership, outlining pathways to becoming Chartered Accountants.
Encouraging the boys to stay focused on their future, she advised: “Study hard, stay disciplined, and avoid distractions. Prioritise your education, complete your secondary schooling successfully, and pursue higher education to achieve success in life.”
She also called on teachers to maintain supportive, approachable relationships with students to encourage open communication when they face challenges or need guidance.
Mrs. Ronke Akeredolu, Chairperson of the SWAN Equipping School Library Project Committee, noted that since the initiative was revived in 2021, SWAN has positively impacted many young people through book donations, in-house quiz competitions, and the creation of Future Accountants’ Clubs.
Akeredolu praised the successful extension of the programme to boys’ schools and appreciated the dedication of the project committee members.
Beyond academic and career support, the Society addressed the rising concern of drug abuse among youths. During a lecture, Ms. Latifat Fatola, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics at the NDLEA, warned students of the biological and psychological dangers linked to substance abuse.
“Stay away from drugs and negative peer pressure because the brain is not fully developed until about age 25. Substance abuse affects the frontal lobe responsible for judgment and decision-making. Every choice you make today will affect your future, so live responsibly, maintain good character, and strive to become the best version of yourself,” Fatola advised.
Mrs. Oyebanjo Felicia, Vice Principal of Archdeacon Adelaja Senior High School, expressed gratitude to SWAN for the donation, noting it would motivate students to read more and improve academically. She urged alumni associations and corporate organisations to follow suit.
Mr. Olayinka Adeniji, Vice Principal of Ajayi Crowther Memorial Senior Grammar School, described the initiative as “highly laudable,” adding that SWAN’s support complements government efforts to enhance educational standards.
“We are partners in progress. Whatever SWAN has provided will add value to the resources already available through the government. I believe the mentorship and engagement will positively influence students’ attitudes and outlook,” he said.
Mr. Ogunyemi Kayode, Principal of Boys Academy Senior School, Sura, Obalende, commended SWAN for extending the project to boys’ schools and for tackling the increasing menace of drug abuse among students.
Mr. Sobanke Olalekan, Principal of Boys Academy Junior School, praised the organisation’s support, asserting it would motivate students towards academic excellence.
Mrs. Tunde Idowu and Mrs. Mabo, Principal and Vice Principal of Army Cantonment Boys Senior and Junior Secondary Schools, Ojo, also expressed appreciation for SWAN’s efforts in raising awareness about drug dangers and encouraged the Society to continue the programme.
The event concluded with prizes being awarded to the top three winners of the quiz competitions held across participating schools, alongside the official inauguration and certification of newly established Accounting Clubs — further affirming SWAN’s commitment to nurturing future accounting professionals.
SWAN is the female arm of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, founded in 1978. Its mission is to unite female accountants, mentor young professionals, and provide a robust support network to help women excel both professionally and personally.
