The Ogun State Government has provided free internet connectivity to 20 secondary schools across the state through a partnership with MTN Nigeria, IHS Nigeria Limited and Focus Teen Foundation.
The initiative, facilitated by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology under the UNICEF School Connectivity Programme, is designed to expand digital access and improve the quality of teaching and learning in public schools.
At the presentation of internet routers to the beneficiary schools, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said the intervention would help students and teachers take greater advantage of technology in the classroom.
Arigbabu, who was represented by the Director of Education Support Services, Dr Mary Okereafor, said access to reliable internet services and digital literacy had become increasingly important in modern education.
He explained that the initiative would enable students to access online learning materials, conduct research and develop relevant digital skills, while providing teachers with opportunities to adopt innovative teaching methods.
According to him, the provision of routers with free data subscriptions for one year would help bridge the digital divide and prepare students for the demands of the 21st century.
He added that the programme was consistent with the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to raising educational standards and equipping young people with skills needed for the future.
Earlier, the Director of Education in the Department of Science and Technology, Mrs Abosede Edun, called on stakeholders to sustain their collaboration with the state government to expand internet access to more schools.
Edun urged principals and information and communication technology teachers in the beneficiary schools to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the equipment.
She also encouraged the schools to incorporate the facilities into classroom activities to improve learning outcomes and enhance students’ digital competence.
Speaking on the technical specifications of the devices, MTN Retail Developer, Olagunju Idris, said the routers came with free monthly data subscriptions for 12 months.
He added that the devices had batteries capable of providing up to six hours of continuous use.
Two of the beneficiary schools, Nawar-ud-een Grammar School, Obantoko, and Government Technical College, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, were represented by their principals, Mr Elias Olatunbosun and Mrs Oluwatoyin Ashaye of Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, who commended the intervention.
The school heads said the provision of internet connectivity would support the implementation of the Progressive Science Initiative (PSI) and the Progressive Mathematics Initiative (PMI), while strengthening technology-based learning.
They also expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government and its partners, including MTN Nigeria, IHS Nigeria Limited, Focus Teen Foundation and UNICEF, for supporting efforts to improve digital connectivity in the schools.
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