IHS Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a digital empowerment initiative targeting 100 public school teachers and 50 schools across Kwara State.
The program, conducted under the IHS Nigeria/UNICEF School Connectivity Support initiative, aims to enhance digital literacy among educators and improve internet connectivity in schools. As part of the project, internet routers are being distributed and installed in 50 public schools while two representatives—an ICT teacher and the school principal—from each school are receiving digital skills training.
At the launch event in Ilorin, Executive Director of Focus Teens Foundation, Kazeem Olaonipekun, explained that the training is designed to equip teachers with the tools and knowledge to promote technology integration in classrooms. He emphasized the broader goal of ensuring digital connectivity in schools nationwide by 2030.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Olaonipekun said digital literacy empowers both teachers and students for a technology-driven future. He noted that the training would not only build capacity but also encourage teachers to act as digital ambassadors within their schools.
“We want these individuals to carry the knowledge back to their schools and share it with other educators,” he stated. He also appreciated the Kwara State Government for embracing the project and reiterated the target of reaching 300 schools across five states.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olohungbebe, underscored the importance of extending digital access to underserved schools. Represented by Director of School Management, Victoria Adewuyi, the Commissioner described the initiative as a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide.
Adewuyi encouraged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously, stressing that technology integration in education is no longer optional but essential. She urged school principals and head teachers to safeguard and properly utilize the infrastructure provided.
“This is a great opportunity for our students,” she said. “We must ensure the routers are maintained and used meaningfully in the learning process.”
Also speaking, the Principal of St. Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin, Molu Dada, affirmed that the training would significantly enhance digital awareness among teachers and students. He added that the Association of Principals of Secondary Schools in the state would cascade the training across schools in all 21 zones under its coverage.
Dada expressed gratitude to the state governor for supporting the initiative and called for the continuation of such programs to further strengthen digital learning in public schools.
