“Let’s go invent tomorrow instead of worrying about what happened yesterday.”
– Steve Jobs
Nigeria – a young country
Nigeria is a fascinating country in West Africa. It is home to a fast-growing population of over 238 million people in 2026, made up of many different cultural and ethnic groups. Nigeria is also one of the world’s youngest nations, with 60% of its population under the age of 30. Yet for many young people growing up in Nigeria, a lack of quality education and opportunity stifles their potential.
African Child Trust (ACT) began working in Nigeria in 2000, in Lagos. Over time, operations expanded to other localities in the southwest, including Ilaro and Ile-Ife in Ogun and Osun States, respectively. Since 2012, ACT’s work has been focused in Ayobo-Ipaja-Alimosho in collaboration with Community Development Link, Ipaja (CDLI), a UK diaspora-led initiative by people originally from the Ipaja community.
Of the 770 children that ACT has supported in Nigeria to date, 231 (30 per cent) are from Ayobo-Ipaja, reflecting the strength and fruitfulness of the partnership. This provides ACT with local knowledge and experience to identify the most vulnerable households and to implement projects to address development gaps.
Through weekend tutorial classes, the annual July summer school programmes and other health and social education project support, such as the Period Poverty project, ACT is helping children in this highly deprived communities to stay in school and develop the skills that they need for a brighter future.
Today, there are currently 145 sponsored children in Ayobo-Ipaja continuing with their education, receiving direct ACT educational and welfare support, with their 357 siblings benefiting directly from ACT family welfare support. ACT helps young people to build pathways toward a more secure future. With ACT support, eight (8) youngsters from this community have since graduated with university degrees and are in employment, while ten (10) others have completed diploma studies.
Mubarak – Applying technological skills to give back
From an early age, Mubarak dreamed of creating something that could make a difference. Today, he is turning that ambition into technology that helps others.
Now in his third year studying engineering at the University of Lagos, Mubarak is building an AI-powered legal assistant to help Nigerians understand their rights. Covering issues such as tenancy disputes and employment concerns, his technology puts reliable information within reach of those who need it most.
“African Child Trust has played a life-changing role in my journey.” [Mubarak]
His journey began in the classroom, supported by a teacher who recognised his potential. In 2017, when he was in junior secondary school, his teacher recommended him to ACT partners, CDLI, for support, concerned that without the support he may struggle to advance in his education, given the poverty and financial challenges at home. His story reveals ACT’s power in uplifting young potential and not only shaping individual paths but entire communities as well.
Coming from a very poor family, but excelling in school from an early age, Mubarak quickly caught his teacher’s attention. He loved to read and was endlessly curious. As the oldest of three children, he knew the importance of setting a good example.
He became an ACT beneficiary in 2017 while in junior secondary school and has received consistent support since. Mubarak received much more than financial support, finding guidance, encouragement, and a strong sense of community with our partners, CDLI.
Mubarak had always been curious about how things work, which led him to study engineering at the University of Lagos. He has developed a strong passion for software and web development, finding that it allows him to use his skills to build real solutions to daily issues. This encouraged him to create user-centred products and specifically to build his own programme called De_Law.
De_Law is an AI-powered legal assistant designed to make Nigerian law simple, accessible, and understandable for everyone. Mubarak invented the programme after observing how many Nigerians face legal challenges, such as unfair rent practices or consumer rights violations, but have little access to trustworthy sources. He realised that technology, especially AI, could simplify legal processes and reduce misinformation by providing verified, up-to-date answers on key legal areas. For many people who cannot afford legal advice, De_Law offers instant guidance from one’s mobile phone.
“ACT’s belief in my potential gave me the confidence to pursue engineering and build meaningful projects like De_Law. I genuinely would not be where I am today without their commitment and support.”
Mubarak’s story is testimony to the fact that when children are given tools to learn and dream, they can surpass any expectations. Mubarak is not only helping the Nigerian population face legal challenges with more ease, an astonishing accomplishment, but also volunteers at the CDLI supplementary school in his free time.
You can make a difference. Help another young person like Mubarak?
Every child deserves the chance to fulfil their potential. Mubarak shows that education doesn’t just shape individual futures – it strengthens entire communities.
By sponsoring a child at African Child Trust, you too can help provide education, encouragement and opportunities that transform lives. Together, we can help the next generation realise their potential.
To help other children like Mubarak, sponsor a child with ACT today. Click here.