The Oyo State Government says it is partnering Microsoft and Signal Alliance on its digital literacy programme by providing 800 computers across eight centres as the pilot scheme.
The government made this known during a press conference attended by representatives of Microsoft Nigeria, Signal Alliance, tertiary institutions, schools governing boards and other stakeholders at the Film Theatre of the State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism in Ibadan.
Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Education,Dr. Bisi Akin-Alabi, disclosed that the state would launch digital literacy centers to prepare the state towards producing a competent workforce in the country.
Akin-Alabi hinted that the state government’s alliance with Microsoft and Signal Alliance would give birth to eight centres with 100 computers each, adding that four centres would be in Ibadan, Two in Oke Ogun, One for Oyo Ibarapa Zone and One for Ibarapa zone.
According to her, every student is expected to benefit from the digital literacy, while Microsoft has promised to give the state 700 computers every year to complement the state government’s efforts until each school in the state is covered.
She said,“This digital literacy project was put on ground towards the Sustainable Development Goals in education in order to ensure wholesome offerings for all and to demonstrate government’s commitment to delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals 4 (SDG), to bridge gaps in education provision.
Oyo State government, Microsoft and Signal Alliance are collaborating to launch the digital literacy and Cluster Learning Centers (CLC) in the State.
The government initially wanted to provide 3 CLC, as a pilot scheme until the partnership with Microsoft and Signal Alliance increased it to eight. This is to boost access to qualitative education in the State by all private and public pupils.
Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led administration in Oyo State is also set to launch a 21st Century Compliant digital literacy drive to prepare Oyo State for a knowledge-based future and a hub for producing a knowledgeable competent workforce in Nigeria.
On her part, the Microsoft Head of Education Programs in Nigeria, Ms Jordan Belmonte said that the programme was built towards making Oyo State meet the global technological pace, adding that this project could put Nigeria on the digital technological map through the state.
Belmonte assured of Microsoft’s commitment to lifelong education by providing education solutions as well as promoting adoption of ICT in schools.
The project, according to her will lead to institutional change and students can get certification which is recognized globally thereby giving Nigerian companies the opportunity to find the needed talents from their host community.
“We are delighted to partner the Oyo State Government and Signal Alliance we believe that investment in education is a critical component of preparing youths for the global workforce and it is directly tied to a country’s economic growth.
Our mission is to ensure that we support this advancement in learning and the benefits it provides for Nigerian students.
Microsoft Nigeria is committed to promoting lifelong learning by providing affordable access to education solutions and promoting the adoption of ICT in schools,” she added.
Representative of Signal Alliance, Mrs. Adamma Onoegbu, said it was important to prepare graduates before joining the workforce so as to be sure of quality input into the nation’s economy.
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