▪︎ Digital literacy a necessity, not a luxury: Gov AbdulRazaq

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Government has flagged off the distribution of about two thousand computer devices for public senior secondary schools in the state to equip teachers and students with digital literacy skills.

At least 70 public schools cutting across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State would receive 25 gadgets apiece in the first phase of the educational intervention.

The project is being implemented by the State Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning And Employment (AGILE) project under the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.

Performing the flag-off in Ilorin, the state capital, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said digital literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s global economy, noting that education remains the bedrock of sustainable development.

The Governor, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Elder Kayode Alabi, said the programme further attested to the commitment of the administration to transforming education through innovation, technology, and strategic investment in human capital.

“The future belongs to those who can leverage technology to solve problems, create opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to society. It is for this reason our administration continues to prioritize investments that improve learning outcomes and prepare our young people for the demands of a rapidly evolving world,” the Governor said.

“We are not merely distributing digital devices, we are equipping our children with the tools they need to compete and excel in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven world.”

AbdulRazaq implored the affected schools and students to use the instruments for learning, creativity, innovation, and self-development.

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, for his part, said the AGILE project is designed to improve girls’ access to quality education, enhance learning outcomes and equip them with relevant skills for their future.

Calling it a substantial investment in the education system, Olohungbebe
said the facilities will enable teachers and students to integrate technology into teaching and learning, develop digital competencies, and acquire creativity and problem-solving skills required in today’s world.

According to him, the gadgets that will be distributed across the selected schools include 1,755 all-in-one desktop computers, 70 printers, 70 projectors, and 70 motorized projector screens.

He said the government has already installed a 10kVA solar power system, internet connectivity, and CCTV cameras in each of these schools, apart from equipping their teachers (three per school) with the necessary skills.

“The Government of Kwara State recognises that digital literacy is now an essential component of quality education. Our children must not only have access to education; they must also acquire the digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital world,” he said, declaring, however, that the exercise will be continuous.

Olohungbebe commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his
continued investments in human capital development towards the transformation of the education sector.

He called on the beneficiary schools and host communities to take ownership of the equipment and ensure that they are used primarily for the intended educational purposes.

State Coordinator for Kwara AGILE project, Adeshina Azeez Salami, in his remarks, said the office continues to bank on the support of the state government to thrive, commending Governor AbdulRazaq for setting a pace in the sector.

He also thanked the Commissioner, Dr. Olohungbebe and all members of the state project steering committee for the AGILE for supporting them to achieve this far.

“On behalf of the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), I thank you all for your presence in today’s event which is a testimony to the good works of the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, our amiable Governor of Kwara State,” Salami said.

Also present at the event were the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju; Commissioner for Youth Development Hon Shehu Ndanusa Usman; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Rebecca Bake; Executive Director of the Agency for Mass Education (AME), Mallam Yusuf Saka; Chairman of Kwara State Teaching Service Commission, Mallam Taoheed Abubakar, who was represented by Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Issa Abdulrahman.

Highlight of the event was a symbolic presentation of devices to selected schools, such as United Secondary School, Ilorin; Government Girls Day Secondary School, Oke-suna; Government Day Secondary School, Tanke; and St. Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin.