By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The Lagos State Ministry of Education on Thursday said that it would  ensure that students across the educational districts of the state got access to free education via technology.

Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, the Commissioner for Education, made the remark at the handover of tablets, Projectors and internet routers donated by United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), held at Agidingbi Senior Grammar School, Ikeja.

Adefisayo, represented by Mr Bolaji Abayomi, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, reiterated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s determination to enhance the quality of education in the State to global standards.

“The Ministry of Education is upgrading from the foundation, this handover is a continuation of the process of digitalisation of education globally, students should therefore use the opportunity to leverage on modern way of learning.

“Just last week, we gave out devices to teachers, and that is tradition, in this phase, we’re giving out over 1,100 tablets with router, projector and the idea is that we want to ensure that all our students learn in the modern way.

“We want you all to key-in to the 21st century learning method by utilising the devices and take  maximum advantage of the them in, outside the classroom to improve on your performances.

“These devices will make learning to be more enhanced, interactive, practical and fun, and teaching more detailed, which will make them to understand better,” he said.

He warned that beneficiaries must use the devices for the primary purpose, adding that they were not for play but particularly for learning.

While commending UNICEF for its magnanimity as a strategic partner in quality education delivery, he restated that qualitative education is the bedrock of development in any nation, emphasising that the 21st century is a digital period.

He noted that the digital items presented to primary and junior secondary schools in the State would go a long way to aid the use of Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP) platform by teachers and students.

Recall that the NLP, established by UNICEF and endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with Lagos State, is an additional digital learning application for optimal teaching with a broad range of subject content to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

Meanwhile, Mr Kayode Ojelade, a Senior Official in the Office of Education Quality Assurance, enlightened the students and teachers with short video clips on easy steps to take while using the devices on NLP platform for learning purposes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presentation of the devices to primary schools, as well as junior and senior secondary schools in each educational district was done by Abayomi, with the Tutors-General/Permanent Secretaries of the districts, to Principals, representatives of parents’ forum and students.

On the sideline, Mrs Oyedele Emiloju, Principal of Topo Grammar School, Badagry, applauded the Lagos State Government (LASG) for the initiative, described it as a laudable step in the right direction.

According to her, the state government is doing well, going the extra mile to provide the modern devices for teaching and learning.

“With these loaded devices, education can no longer be confined to the classroom, the students have opportunity to study on their own, learn faster, make researches and gain more knowledge,” she said.

Also, Rufai Victoria, student of Majidun Junior Grammar School, Ikorodu, who promised to make the state proud, told NAN that with the devices, she would  be more committed to her studies.(NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle