The Osun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the digitisation of public primary and secondary schools across the state under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
This assurance was given at a programme organised by the Teens Awareness Initiative for public school students in Osogbo. Speaking at the event, tagged “Enhancing Quality Education”, the Executive Secretary, Ministry of Education, Osogbo Zone, Mrs Adeoye Abidemi, said the state government, in collaboration with the initiative, has been providing computers to schools to promote digital learning.
The programme brought together students from public primary and secondary schools, who were sensitised on the importance of digital literacy and its role in improving learning outcomes.
Abidemi explained that the partnership has resulted in the introduction of a learning passport, which allows students to study independently beyond the classroom. She noted that the alignment of the curriculum with the learning passport has contributed significantly to improved performance in external examinations.
According to her, agencies such as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Osun State Government are jointly working to ensure that all primary schools are digitised.
“When you go into our schools, you will find computers for the children, and teachers are assigned to teach them. However, one of the major challenges we face is theft, which is why the Ministry of Education has appealed to baales and traditional rulers to help secure school facilities,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Teens Awareness Initiative, Rhoda Israel, disclosed that the organisation has supported over 30,000 young people by providing access to free learning opportunities.
She said the group currently offers free digital connectivity accessible to students across Osun State and is working to ensure that digital learning facilities are available in all schools.
“Our goal is to ensure that every child and young person has access to quality education that prepares them for the future, helps them maximise their potential and connects them to opportunities. That has been our focus over the past six years,” Israel said.
She described the organisation’s six-year journey as one marked by impact, purpose and progress, adding that it has benefited from partnerships with governments, individuals and international organisations. She noted that the group has carried out education campaigns, scholarship advocacy, free tutorials and mentorship programmes.
According to her, the initiative is currently implementing a UNICEF-funded intervention that is leading in digital literacy delivery in Nigeria.
“We have reached over 30,000 young people since inception, offering them free learning opportunities. We now have a UNICEF-developed free learning platform that is accessible to all students in Osun State,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Director of Programmes and Vice President of the Teens Awareness Initiative, Gbenga Oloke, urged students to fully utilise the available digital learning resources to secure a better future.
Oloke also advised parents to ensure their children have access to digital learning tools, noting that despite concerns about the negative use of digital and social media, their positive impact should not be overlooked.
“For students, always make sure you take advantage of the opportunities that digital learning provides rather than focusing on the disadvantages,” he said.
