IHS Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the IHS Towers Group specializing in communications infrastructure, has unveiled a new state-ai-solving-urgent-problems/” title=”How AI Systems in Niger … Are Tackling Urgent Challenges You Can't Ignore”>digital literacy and school connectivity initiative in Nasarawa State. This project is a collaborative effort involving the Nasarawa State government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aiming to equip 100 educators and connect 50 secondary schools with internet-enabled routers.
Implemented by the Focus Teens Foundation and supported technically by MTN Nigeria, this programme aligns with UNICEF’s global vision to ensure every school worldwide is digitally connected by 2030.
At the launch, Titilope Oguntuga, Director of Sustainability at IHS Nigeria, emphasized, “This initiative transcends traditional training; it represents a shared commitment to nurturing future generations. We are dedicated to empowering students, equipping teachers, and uplifting communities through enhanced access to technology and vital digital competencies.”
She further highlighted that the programme not only provides schools with dependable digital infrastructure but also grants access to the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), an innovative e-learning platform offering high-quality educational materials for both teachers and learners.
Olaonipekun Kazeem, Executive Director of Focus Teens Foundation, explained that the initiative extends beyond merely supplying devices. It incorporates comprehensive digital literacy training for ICT instructors and school delegates, alongside establishing a monitoring framework to guarantee the effective use of the resources.
“Currently, 50 schools are engaged with 100 representatives participating in this phase. Nasarawa marks the fifth state involved, following Osun, Kwara, Abia, and Jigawa,” he noted.
“Each school will receive internet data for one year, and IHS will oversee usage remotely to prevent the equipment from being underutilized,” Olaonipekun added.
He also mentioned that support systems have been instituted to assist educators and students in maximizing the programme’s benefits, with non-compliant schools being reported to state authorities for appropriate action.
Representing the Commissioner for Education, Hassan Mohammed, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Education, praised the initiative as a significant shift from traditional analogue education methods. He affirmed that the programme aligns perfectly with Governor Abdullahi Sule’s agenda to advance digital learning across the state.
Mohammed remarked, “The technology provided to Nasarawa State significantly strengthens our educational development efforts.”
He cautioned, “School principals and teachers must not misuse or neglect these tools. They are intended strictly for classroom activities, and any misuse will result in disciplinary measures.”
This initiative exemplifies the increasing collaboration between public and private sectors in Nigeria, focusing on narrowing the digital divide by integrating infrastructure deployment, capacity building, and continuous oversight.
Participants in the programme anticipate that it will elevate teaching standards, boost students’ digital skills, and contribute substantially to the state’s sustainable human capital growth.
