The Oyo State Government in 2017 announced a partnership with Microsoft Nigeria and Signal Alliance to establish eight digital literacy centres as part of efforts to expand access to technology-based education across the state.
The initiative, unveiled at a stakeholders’ press conference in Ibadan, was designed to provide 800 computers across the eight centres, with each centre expected to have 100 computers under the pilot phase.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Education, Dr Bisi Akin-Alabi, said the programme was aimed at equipping pupils and young people with digital skills needed to participate effectively in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Under the arrangement, four centres were planned for Ibadan, two for Oke-Ogun, one for the Oyo/Ogbomoso zone and another for Ibarapa.
Akin-Alabi said the programme was expected to benefit students in both public and private schools, adding that Microsoft had indicated its intention to provide 700 computers annually to complement the state government’s efforts until schools across the state were covered.
She explained that the digital literacy initiative was also linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, which focuses on inclusive and quality education.
According to her, the state had initially planned to establish three Cluster Learning Centres as a pilot project, but the partnership with Microsoft and Signal Alliance expanded the plan to eight centres.
Microsoft’s Head of Education Programmes in Nigeria, Jordan Belmonte, said the company’s participation was aimed at supporting education and encouraging the adoption of information and communication technology in Nigerian schools.
Belmonte said the initiative could help students acquire skills and globally recognised certifications, while also creating a pool of digitally skilled young people who could meet the needs of businesses and the wider economy.
“We are delighted to partner the Oyo State Government and Signal Alliance. We believe that investment in education is a critical component of preparing youths for the global workforce and it is directly tied to a country’s economic growth,” she said.
Representing Signal Alliance, Mrs Adamma Onoegbu said technology-based education was important in preparing young people for the demands of the modern workplace.
She said the company was supporting the initiative because of the need to expand access to technology and ensure that digital skills reached communities beyond major urban centres.
The press conference was attended by the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela; Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Toye Arulogun; Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs Aderonke Makanjuola; representatives of Microsoft Nigeria and Signal Alliance, as well as other education stakeholders.
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