In order to improve access for all pupils both in public and private schools to qualitative education, the Oyo State government is ready to launch Digital Literacy Drive and Cluster Learning Centres across schools in the state.
The plan, which is propelled by the Oyo State Model Education System Interventions (OYOMESI) in collaboration with Microsoft and Signal Alliance was disclosed at a press briefing attended by the representatives of Microsoft, Signal Alliance, SGB and other relevant stakeholders in the education sector of the state.
The step according to Dr Bisi Akin-Alabi, who is the Special Adviser on Education to Oyo’s Governor Abiola Ajimobi is another unprecedented move by Oyo government to prepare the state for a knowledge based future and make it a hub for producing knowledgeable, competent workforce in Nigeria.
Her words, “In a globalised world in which knowledge has become the mainstay of most economies, any society that does not equip its citizens with the tools and means of life-long learning will be seriously handicapped.
“Education is critical to national development and any government that fails to invest a lot of its resources, energy, and time on human capital development does so at its own peril. Oyo State government is taking a very bold step towards reclaiming the lost glory of the education sector as well as improving its quality to meet new and emerging trends in education through the Oyo State Model Education System Interventions (OYOMESI) and other strategic initiatives.
“OYOMESI comprises of interventional strategies & principles to find solutions for a better education system that influences the teachers, pupils, parents’ attitudes, focus, beliefs for the pursuits of a wholesome education offerings.
“It also inculcates character education, value for Integrity, honesty and respect. This holistic approach to raising attainment in education and learning will no doubt put a stop to poor academic performance and ensure the state regains its rightful place as a pace setter, front runner and leader in Education in Nigeria.”
Dr Bisi Akin-Alabi further explained that the intention of Governor Abiola Ajimobi is to tackle the challenges of access, equity and quality in education and ensuring that all pupils in the state (public and private schools) have access to OYOMESI activities, and to demonstrate the government’s commitment towards delivery of the SDG 4 and bridge gaps in provision.
Head of Microsoft Education Programs, Jordan Belmonte explained that the Microsoft Imagine Academy is a digital learning initiative that helps bridge skill gap by providing teachers with the curriculum for teaching ICT and the framework that will enable pupils and educators achieve success.
She stated further that Microsoft Imagine Academy provides industry-recognised technology education, skills, and certifications that pupils and educators need to promote independent life-long learning.
The state Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, in his address stated that academic lecture notes tagged Ajumose Notes are developed in core subjects and these should be made available as PDF for pupils to access in the cluster learning centres as well as other key learning resources.
In his submission, the Special Adviser on Information and Communication Technology, Niyi Ajao expressed that the aims of the state government is to utilise technology to drive economic growth and create knowledge-driven jobs over the next five years.
He opined that this has led to the establishment of a Technical University that will produce graduates to feed the industries being setup in the recently launched Pacesetter Industrial Park along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Ajao further stated that literacy is beyond the ability to read and write as over 90% of future jobs will require some level of digital skills.
He enjoined solution providers, infrastructure and equipment vendors to support the administration and contribute to the development of the skills required to support the state’s knowledge-driven future.
The ICT Special Adviser, therefore, used the opportunity to unveil Signal Alliance as Microsoft’s partner that would assist in the implementation and management of the Microsoft imagine Academy.
Dr Akin Alabi announced that the solution will be launched by Governor Ajimobi at an event which will take place shortly with school proprietors, heads of schools, IT directors of learning at all levels and education stakeholders in attendance.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
