Kwara distributes 2,000 computers to public secondary schools

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The Kwara State Government has commenced the distribution of about 2,000 digital devices to 70 public senior secondary schools across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

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The intervention is being implemented under the State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Employment project of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to improve digital literacy among teachers and students.

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Each of the beneficiary schools will receive 25 devices in the first phase of the programme.

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This was contained in a statement signed by the Communications Officer of Kwara AGILE, Ayobami Ashaolu, which was made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday.

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Flagging off the distribution in Ilorin, the state capital, on Friday, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, said digital literacy had become essential to education and participation in the global economy.

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The governor said the intervention was part of efforts to integrate technology into education and improve learning outcomes.

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He said, “The future belongs to those who can leverage technology to solve problems, create opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to society. It is for this reason our administration continues to prioritise investments that improve learning outcomes and prepare our young people for the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

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“We are not merely distributing digital devices, we are equipping our children with the tools they need to compete and excel in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven world.”

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AbdulRazaq urged the beneficiary schools and students to use the devices for learning, creativity, innovation and self-development.

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The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olohungbebe, said the AGILE project was designed to improve girls’ access to quality education, enhance learning outcomes and equip them with relevant skills.

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He said the equipment would support the integration of technology into teaching and learning and help students develop digital, creative and problem-solving skills.

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According to him, the items being distributed comprise 1,755 all-in-one desktop computers, 70 printers, 70 projectors and 70 motorised projector screens.

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Olohungbebe added that 10kVA solar power systems, internet connectivity and CCTV cameras had been installed in each of the 70 beneficiary schools.

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He said three teachers from each school had also been trained to use and support the technology.

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“The Government of Kwara State recognises that digital literacy is now an essential component of quality education. Our children must not only have access to education; they must also acquire the digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital world,” he said.

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The commissioner said the distribution would continue beyond the first phase, adding that beneficiary schools and host communities were expected to safeguard the equipment and ensure that it was used for educational purposes.

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The State Coordinator of the Kwara AGILE project, Adeshina Azeez Salami, said the project had received support from the state government and other stakeholders.

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He thanked the state government, the commissioner and members of the state project steering committee for their support for the programme.

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The event was attended by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju; Commissioner for Youth Development, Shehu Ndanusa Usman; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Rebecca Bake; Executive Director of the Agency for Mass Education, Yusuf Saka; and the Chairman of the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission, Taoheed Abubakar, who was represented by the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Issa Abdulrahman.

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The devices were presented to representatives of selected schools, including United Secondary School, Ilorin; Government Girls Day Secondary School, Oke-Suna; Government Day Secondary School, Tanke; and St Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin.

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