Heirs Energies, one of Africa’s largest indigenous energy firms, has teamed up with the World Literacy Foundation to roll out the Sun Books Literacy Initiative in Rivers State in commemoration of World Literacy Day 2025.

The programme equipped more than 500 pupils in two schools within the company’s OML 17 host communities with solar-powered tablets, aiming to bridge persistent educational gaps in Nigeria’s rural areas, the WLF said in a statement on Monday.

Pupils received solar-powered Sun Books tablets preloaded with curriculum-aligned literacy content and interactive learning modules. Solar panels will also be installed in the schools to ensure a continuous power supply for classrooms and devices, enabling sustainable learning in resource-limited settings.

Globally, over 770 million people still lack basic literacy skills, with African children among the most affected. In Nigeria, UNESCO estimates that one in three children cannot read or write at the expected level by age 10, with rural communities and girls disproportionately impacted.

The Sun Books programme, initially piloted in Uganda, has reached over 17,000 children and trained more than 280 teachers across Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. Teachers in the participating schools will receive hands-on training to integrate digital literacy into classroom instruction, ensuring long-term learning outcomes.

The Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies, Osa Igiehon, said the initiative reflects the company’s broader commitment to community development.

“Our investment in literacy is an investment in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers,” he said. “With Sun Books, we are empowering children to dream beyond their circumstances and equipping teachers with tools to make learning engaging and inclusive.”

The CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, Andrew Kay, emphasised the significance of the partnership.

“By combining renewable energy and digital learning, we are providing children with the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, regardless of geography or circumstance. Together, we are closing the literacy gap in underserved communities and preparing the next generation for the digital economy,” he said.

Community leaders also welcomed the initiative. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, His Royal Majesty Dr. Samuel Amaechi, OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust, said, “Education is the greatest legacy we can give our children. With the Sun Books programme, our schools now have the tools to prepare them for the future. We thank Heirs Energies and the World Literacy Foundation for investing in our children and in the long-term prosperity of our communities.”zz