The Kwara government, on Friday, began the distribution of 1,755 computers and other digital equipment to 70 public senior secondary schools across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

Flagging off the distribution of the equipment in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said digital literacy was no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s global economy.

He stressed that education remained the bedrock of sustainable development.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, said the programme further demonstrated his administration’s commitment to transforming education through innovation, technology, and strategic investment in human capital.

He said the intervention, implemented under the State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Employment (AGILE) project of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, was aimed at equipping teachers and students with digital literacy skills.

“The future belongs to those who can leverage technology to solve problems, create opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society.

“This is the reason our administration continues to prioritise investments that improve learning outcomes and prepare our young people for the demands of a rapidly evolving world,” the governor said.

Mr AbdulRazaq said the intervention was not merely about distributing digital devices but about equipping students with the tools to compete and excel in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven world.

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

In his remarks at the event, the commissioner for education and human capital development, Lawal Olohungbebe, said the AGILE project was designed to improve access to quality education, enhance learning outcomes, and equip girls with relevant skills for the future.

Mr Olohungbebe described the intervention as a substantial investment in the state’s education system, saying the facilities would enable teachers and students to integrate technology into teaching and learning.

He said that 1,755 all-in-one desktop computers, 70 printers, 70 projectors, and 70 motorised projector screens would be distributed to schools across the state.

The commissioner said the government had also installed 10KVA solar power systems, internet connectivity, and CCTV cameras in each of the beneficiary schools.

He added that three teachers from each school had been trained on the use of the facilities.

“The government of Kwara 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.

The commissioner said the exercise would be sustained and commended Gov. AbdulRazaq for his continued investment in human capital development and the transformation of the education sector.

He urged the beneficiary schools and host communities to take ownership of the equipment and ensure that it was used primarily for educational purposes.

The state coordinator of the Kwara AGILE project, Adeshina Salami, commended the state government for its support, saying the intervention would contribute significantly to improving digital learning in schools.

Mr Salami also appreciated Mr Olohungbebe and members of the state project steering committee for their support for the implementation of the project.

He said the event was a testament to the commitment of the AbdulRazaq administration to improving education in the state. 

(NAN)