Alumni Association Provides Daily Free Meals To Students, Staff
A group of former students of Victory High School and Victory College (VHSVC), Ikeja, now based in North America, have launched a transformative school feeding programme, providing thousands of free meals each term to students and staff of their alma mater.
Led by their association president, Kayode Owoyele, the Victory High School/Victory College Alumni Association (North America) designed the initiative to tackle hunger and improve learning outcomes amid Nigeria’s harsh economic realities.
“This initiative is our way of giving back,” Owoyele said. “It’s not just about food; it’s about comfort, focus, and giving students the chance to learn without the distraction of hunger. We serve over 13,500 meals every term—breakfast snacks and nutritious lunches with fruits.”
The programme, which began operations in April 2024 and was officially launched in July, is fully funded by contributions from members of the association. With a monthly budget running into millions of naira, it also supports the employment of kitchen staff and other logistics.
Chairman of the association’s Advisory Committee, Chief Edward Ederaine, noted, “Feeding students and staff every school day is no small feat. But for us, it’s a mission we’re proud of. The impact has been incredible, and the appreciation from beneficiaries is deeply moving.”
Students and staff alike have welcomed the effort. “What I like most is that the food is prepared in a very clean environment,” said Mercy Audu, a final-year student. “It makes us feel cared for, even though we’ve never met these people.”
According to the chairman of the Legacy Committee, Lanre Olushekun, addressing hunger was a strategic choice. “Before books, buildings, or tech, the first barrier we saw was hunger. And if we solve that, every other thing becomes easier. As the Yoruba say, ‘Ebi kii wonu ki oro miran wo’—hunger blocks out every other concern.”
The results are already showing. Onsite programme manager, Bose Adeola Usman, confirmed that enrolment has risen by 33% since the meals began. “Students are coming to school regularly, teachers are motivated, and parents are grateful. Everyone wins.”
The alumni group hopes their efforts will inspire more Nigerians in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots through sustainable interventions that target real community needs.
“Our goal is to help shape a future where these young Nigerians can reach their full potential, not just in academics but in life,” Owoyele added.
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