Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has said that his administration would continue to support initiatives promoting the use of digital devices and tools fcor teaching and learning in the state-owned schools.
Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance in Ado-Ekiti, during the 7th Edition of the meeting of Executive Chairmen of SUBEB drawn from the six pilot states running the Smart School Programme and representatives of the six smart schools in the country supported by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Kofoworola Aderiye, called for greater support and the total incorporation of Smart learning in the basic education sector across the country.
Oyebanji stated that it was imperative for the nation to fully focus on the integration of technology into the educational system.
The Governor who stressed the importance of the meeting, said that the forum provides an excellent opportunity for stakeholders involved to engage in fruitful discussions on the implementation of the Smart Schools programme.
He said it also grants the Chairmen and representatives of the 6 pilot states namely, Ekiti, Cross River, F.C.T, Kano, Nasarawa, and Bauchi the platform to share experiences and best practices to boost Smart education in the country.
Oyebanji who commended the ingenuity of KOICA for its partnership with UBEC and the six pilot states in facilitating the establishment of smart schools in the country also appreciated his colleague- Governors for their unwavering support and dedication towards the development of basic education.
He charged the management, staff, and students of the smart schools to avail themselves of the opportunity that has been provided through the state-of-the-art facilities made available in their schools to acquire the needed skills and experience that would enhance their potential.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board(SUBEB) Professor Femi Akinwumi, described the event as a veritable platform to continue discussions on ways to further strengthen basic education partnerships.
He added that the program also helps to address challenges in funding, infrastructure, teacher shortages, improving basic education delivery and ultimately ensuring quality education for all Nigerian children.
Akinwumi also lauded Governor Oyebanji for his unparalleled love and affinity for education which according to him has brought about good performance to the smart school.
According to the SUBEB boss, the Ekiti Smart School was ranked first among the six pilot schools in the country.
He said the good performances and success of the smart school, which happens to be the only one in the southwest can be attributed to the dedication and support of the Oyebanji administration to continue to boost the development of the basic education sector.
In his remarks, the KOICA Country Director, Mr Kim Eunsub lauded the state government for giving the team the enabling environment to carry out their duty.
Eunsub said his team has been impressed with the pilot states for ensuring that all their efforts to improve student’s learning outcomes and enhance teachers’ art of teaching abilities have not been wasted.
In her remarks, the Head teacher of the Primary Section of the Ekiti Smart School, Mrs Toyosi Olokungboye said teachers and pupils of the school have been able to master the use of smart devices in day-to-day teaching and learning activities in the school thus improving learning outcomes.
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