In a significant move to modernize education in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the FCT Executive Council has approved the procurement of over 1,000 laptops for public secondary schools.
This decision, announced by Dr. Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary for the FCT Education Secretariat, aims to accelerate the digitization of teaching and learning processes across schools in the territory.
The approval, which was made during the council’s 10th meeting on Monday in Abuja, comes with an allocated budget of more than N990 million. The laptops will be loaded with a wide range of educational and vocational materials, equipping students with the tools necessary to enhance their learning experience.
These devices are set to be distributed to senior secondary schools across the FCT, marking a major step forward in the government’s efforts to create a more tech-savvy generation of students.
Dr. Hayyo explained that the procurement of laptops is part of a broader initiative to transform public schools within the FCT. He emphasized that under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike, the administration is taking deliberate steps to digitize education, building on the ongoing transformation of public schools in the region.
The move to incorporate digital tools into the classroom is seen as an essential part of improving the quality of education and ensuring that students are equipped for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.
In support of the initiative, Chidi Amadi, Chief of Staff to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, shared the minister’s commitment to transitioning FCT schools from manual, traditional methods of teaching to digital systems. He stressed that the world has moved into a new digital age, and it is imperative that Nigeria’s schools, especially in the capital, keep pace with these global advancements. “We cannot call ourselves the Federal Capital Territory if our schools are not aligned with what is happening globally in terms of education technology,” Amadi remarked.
The initiative to equip schools with laptops is not just about providing hardware, but about fostering a culture of digital literacy from an early age. Amadi pointed out that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become a central focus in today’s educational systems worldwide, and equipping students with digital skills is crucial for their future success. “We need to give our children the skills they need to compete globally. This is why the minister is so keen to ensure that the schools in FCT are fully digitized and aligned with global standards,” Amadi added.
The laptops are expected to become a key component of classroom interactions in FCT public schools, creating a learning environment where technology is seamlessly integrated into daily lessons. As part of the digital shift, the laptops will offer students access to a wealth of learning resources, helping them acquire not only academic knowledge but also vocational skills that are vital in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
The FCT administration’s focus on digital education is expected to have a far-reaching impact, not only enhancing the quality of teaching but also preparing students to face the challenges and opportunities presented by a technology-driven world. As the laptops begin to roll out across schools, educators and students alike are poised to benefit from this groundbreaking initiative, which aligns with the global push for more accessible and technologically advanced education systems.
