ICT expert Benjamin Balogun has urged schools to introduce digital literacy in basic classes to prepare pupils for future technological challenges.

Mr Balogun made the call in Ilorin on Monday during an interview. He said exposing pupils to digital skills early would boost their confidence and prepare them for the demands of a rapidly changing world and its technological advancement.

According to him, pupils in basic classes should not be deprived of digital skills and learning opportunities.

“It is good to expose pupils to digital literacy skills from basic classes. It boosts their confidence and prepares them for the future.

“The world is now a digital one, where people who lack ICT skills are often left behind in technological advancement and have limited opportunities to compete on the international stage.

“Government, education stakeholders and proprietors must ensure that schools are well-equipped to teach pupils digital literacy skills from the basic level,” he said.

Mr Balogun, also the CEO of Balo Tech Hub, said many schools delay introducing digital literacy to pupils, a situation that could affect them in the future.

He urged parents to encourage their children to acquire ICT skills from an early age rather than relying solely on schools.

The expert said that digital knowledge would give children an advantage in the labour market and enable them to compete favourably at both local and global levels.

(NAN)