Apostle Emmanuel Iren, founder of Celebration Church International (CCI), has launched Propella Schools, the church’s first free primary school, in Ibadan.
The initiative, unveiled with the ringing of the school’s first bell, is designed to provide tuition-free, quality education to children from low-income families.
The school, which opened its doors to about 80 pupils, is part of Apostle Iren’s broader vision to combat educational inequality in Nigeria.
UNICEF estimates that 10.5 million Nigerian children aged 5–14 are out of school, accounting for one in every five out-of-school children globally. The crisis is more severe in the northern regions, where female attendance rates fall below 50 percent due to economic and socio-cultural barriers.
Speaking at the inauguration, Apostle Iren said the project was birthed out of a burden to bridge these gaps.
“Education is a fundamental right, yet it remains out of reach for many due to financial constraints. Propella Schools is our commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to learn and grow,” he stated.
Located in an underserved community of Ibadan, the school is fully equipped with modern classrooms and laptops for each student. It offers classes from grades one to four, with no charges for tuition, books, or uniforms.
The launch event drew parents, community leaders, and well-wishers who celebrated the milestone with a ceremony decorated in balloons bearing the colors of the Nigerian flag. Apostle Iren underscored the initiative’s mission to transform society through education.
“Our purpose is not just to educate but to change lives. Propella Schools is a testament to what can be achieved when faith and action converge for the greater good,” he said.
The project also reflects a growing role of faith-based organizations in addressing Nigeria’s education challenges, which include poor infrastructure and economic disparity.
The Federal Government has also sought international collaborations, such as partnerships with Amazon Web Services, to improve digital literacy.
With plans to establish at least 50 Propella Schools nationwide, Apostle Iren hopes to scale the model and reduce Nigeria’s high out-of-school population. The school’s curriculum combines academic learning with biblical principles, aiming to instill both excellence and character in pupils.
“We are not just building a school; we are building a future,” Apostle Iren affirmed.
