Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Determined to deepen digital literacy and internet-based education across the country, IHS Nigeria Limited has extended its Digital Literacy Training and School Connectivity Programme to Abia State.
The initiative, which began in Osun State, is in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) under its School Connectivity Programme, with the support of the Abia State Government.
One hundred teachers and school heads drawn from 50 public schools in Abia were trained during the programme, which also featured the distribution of 50 internet routers.
Speaking at the event in Umuahia, the Director of Sustainability at IHS Nigeria, Titilope Oguntuga, said the initiative reflected the group’s commitment to creating meaningful social impact by bridging the digital divide and supporting education at the grassroots.
“We believe that access to connectivity should unlock opportunities for education, empowerment, and growth in the communities where we operate,” he said.
“In today’s world, digital literacy is not a luxury; it is a necessity. By providing access to these tools, we are helping students acquire skills that will empower them to participate actively in tomorrow’s economy.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Basic Education and Secondary Schools, Mr. Goodluck Ubochi, expressed gratitude to the organisers for their intervention in the education sector nationwide.
He noted that the training would improve the standard of teaching at the basic and secondary school levels, as participants were expected to cascade the knowledge and skills acquired down to other levels of the education system in the state.
“The business of education is so essential that any society desiring growth and transformation cannot do without vigorous training that benefits the system.
As a result, government policies in the education sector cannot succeed without the unflinching support and cooperation of critical stakeholders, including UNICEF,” Ubochi said.
He urged head teachers and principals present to participate fully and pay rapt attention during the sessions.
The commissioner stressed that digital literacy is the skill required to live, study, and work in a society where communication and access to information are rapidly enhanced by technology.
Earlier, the facilitator of the training, Kazeem Olaonipekun, explained that the one-day workshop was aimed at digitally equipping schools to improve the quality of education and make teaching and learning easier for pupils and students in the state.
According to him, when teachers are trained in digital skills, they, in turn, pass that knowledge on to their pupils and students.
He listed the benefits of digital literacy to include: preparing students and teachers for a technology-driven world, enhancing classroom teaching and impact, empowering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and promoting responsible digital citizenship.
“The internet gives access to the whole world and enhances classroom learning,” he said. “As teachers, let your students know that there is negativity in the digital world.
There is nothing you want to teach that is not in the digital space. Equip your students so they can compete with their peers globally.”
Olaonipekun added that technical skills for educators in the digital space include operating computers and mobile phones, navigating file systems, using common software and apps, and managing online classrooms.
He also emphasised the ethical use of the digital space, such as protecting online privacy and data, preventing cyberbullying, respecting copyright and intellectual property, and maintaining a positive digital footprint.
According to him, digital literacy would prepare learners for future jobs while fostering creativity and collaboration.
