On October 2nd, 2025, Zara Baba Shehu, a final-year Information Systems student at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), took a commendable step towards promoting education by enrolling 15 out-of-school children back into Wauro Jappe primary school in Yola, Adamawa State, and sewing new school uniforms for each of them as part of her self-initiated community service project.
Speaking on the motive behind the initiative, Zara explained that her passion for education and concern for the future of underprivileged children drove her to act. The reason for this community service is because I believe education should be a basic priority, she said. “Looking at the children, all they care about is food, but in the next five years, they will not be the same. Education is a weapon to eliminate illiteracy and to kill poverty. I believe education is a full life-changing game, so that’s why I am doing this.”
Zara’s outreach included engaging with children, educational support, and raising awareness about the importance of early learning.
Mrs. Ladi Aisha Isa, the Assistant Head Teacher, Wauro Jappe primary school where the activity took place, praised the initiative, stating, “I am truly grateful to see students caring for the younger ones. It’s encouraging and gives us hope.”
Also expressing gratitude was 5-year-old Zainab Sa’ad, one of the beneficiaries, who cheerfully said, “Thank you madam Zara for having us in mind and taking the responsibility to pay our fees and making sure we are back to school”
Zara’s project has been lauded as a powerful reminder of how students can be agents of change, using their knowledge and resources to uplift communities and inspire a new generation of learners
Reported by Pwagreno Blessing Moris