Chabad of Abuja, Nigeria, Africa celebrated a momentous step forward with the inauguration of its new, purpose-built Jewish Educational Center. The ceremony included an exciting pledge from a generous donor to replicate the school’s success in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Chabad Jewish school of Abuja, Nigeria, in Central Africa established by Rabbi Israel and Haya Uzan in 2016, in memory of Tevel Khazanski A”H, has finally achieved a historic milestone. After years of moving to accommodate the community’s steady growth and ensure student safety, the school has now relocated to its new, permanent facility on the Chabad Nigeria campus in Abuja. This structure was designed specifically to meet the unique needs of Jewish education and includes the beautiful new Gan Hana building.

The inauguration ceremony was highlighted by an extraordinary announcement from the generous donors, Mr. Steve and Einat Elias.

Not only did Mr. and Mrs. Elias fund the magnificent new facility in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, but they also declared their commitment to build another Gan Hana school building in Lagos, Nigeria! This initiative ensures that Jewish education will continue to flourish and expand across the African region, firmly rooted in the spirit and teachings of the Rebbe.

The celebration brought together many Jewish families in Nigeria just before Chanukah. Each family received a complete Chanukah kit to help them prepare for and celebrate the upcoming festival.

Rabbi Mendy Sternbach, the Shliach to Lagos, Nigeria, traveled specifically to attend and was personally present to receive the remarkable announcement regarding the future Lagos school, a development poised to greatly strengthen Jewish life and education in the area.