The Nigerian Government has commenced the distribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment donated by Japan to 15 federal and state colleges of education across the country to strengthen teacher training and improve learning outcomes.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, announced the initiative at a handover ceremony in Abuja, saying the intervention would enhance digital literacy, support innovative teaching methods and expand access to quality education, particularly for girls.
“The intervention is designed to strengthen teacher training, improve digital literacy and expand access to quality education, particularly for girls,” she stated.
The ICT facilities were provided under a project funded by the Government of Japan through the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO-IICBA) under the initiative, ‘Capacity-building of Teachers to Promote Continuous and Inclusive Access to Safe and Quality Education for Girls in West Africa.’
Professor Ahmad said consultations on school safety guidelines and infrastructure security formed part of the programme to promote secure and inclusive learning environments.
“Safe schools are essential to achieving quality education, especially for girls and vulnerable learners. We must continue to ensure that our institutions remain secure, supportive, and conducive spaces for teaching and learning,” the Minister stressed.
Director of the Colleges of Education Department and Project Coordinator at the ministry, Dr Uchenna Uba, described the initiative as a collaborative effort aimed at improving teacher education and expanding access to quality learning opportunities.
Uba said the provision of digital resources would improve access to educational materials, enhance classroom instruction and strengthen teachers’ digital skills.
The Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan, Mr Hitoshi Kozaki, expressed satisfaction with the growing partnership between Nigeria and Japan in education and other areas of development.
He expressed confidence that the donated equipment would enhance teacher education and improve learning outcomes.
“I really hope that this project makes a difference for the future and the institutions we have here.
“The true value of the ICT equipment would be measured by how effectively the institutions deploy the resources to improve teacher preparation and expand learning opportunities, particularly for girls,” Kozaki emphasised.
Director of UNESCO-IICBA, Dr Quentin Wodon, commended the intervention, saying it would contribute significantly to the transformation of teacher education and the advancement of girl-child education.
The equipment distributed included 65 laptop computers with carrying cases, 71 tablets, four desktop computers, five interactive smart boards, 19 all-in-one desktop computers, 14 projectors, 15 printers and 15 backup hard drives.
Beneficiary institutions include Federal College of Education, Kontagora; Federal College of Education, Zaria; Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe; Federal College of Education, Yola; Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze; College of Education, Zuba; Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education; and Enugu State College of Education (Technical).
Others are Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano; Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu; Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto; Adamawa State College of Education, Hong; and Taraba State College of Education, Zing.
