The Oyo State Government, in partnership with the World Bank, has distributed 18,000 tablet devices to public primary and secondary school teachers across all 33 local government areas of the state. The initiative aims to enhance teaching efficiency and integrate digital technology into classroom learning.
The distribution is part of the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) program, coordinated by the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYSUBEB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The tablets are intended to improve lesson delivery, promote interactive learning, and align teaching practices with global standards.
The symbolic presentation ceremony was held at Emmanuel College, Samonda, Ibadan, and was performed by Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by Deputy Governor Barrister Bayo Lawal.
During his remarks, the deputy governor described the initiative as “a bold step towards digitalizing education in Oyo State.” He explained that each tablet comes preloaded with academic materials, subject content, e-learning tools, and teaching resources to support teachers in delivering more effective lessons.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to educational transformation, noting that the 2025 education budget exceeds the UNESCO recommended allocation, reflecting the administration’s priority on human capital development.
“This is not just about giving out gadgets,” he said. “It’s about equipping our teachers with modern tools to ensure our students receive the best possible education in line with international best practices.”
The deputy governor added that the devices will aid teachers in tracking lesson plans, assessing student performance, and providing data to inform education policies and planning. To ensure proper usage, all beneficiaries are required to undergo a compulsory four-week training at any of the 16 designated centers across the state.
Teachers who received the tablets expressed appreciation, describing the gesture as a significant relief from the burden of manual lesson note preparation and a step forward in exposing both students and educators to essential digital skills.
Dr. Nureni Adeniran, Chairman of OYOSUBEB, applauded the state government’s continued efforts to improve public education. He noted that the initiative would positively impact teaching quality and student learning outcomes across public schools.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Suraj Tiamiyu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Intervention and Head of BESDA, highlighted that the devices are equipped with security and monitoring features to ensure accountability. Teachers are expected to submit weekly reports on their usage of the tablets.
Recipients of the devices, such as Adelakun Folashade and Gbenga Faniran, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde, noting that the digital tools would improve lesson delivery, reduce preparation time, and enhance overall classroom efficiency.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Mr. Alabi Baba Asaaju, the South West Zonal Director of UBEC, commissioners, and senior education stakeholders.
The distribution of the 18,000 tablets is a major component of Oyo State’s broader education reform strategy, which also includes infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and innovative learning programs to equip students for a technology-driven future.
