To address Nigeria’s educational standard, Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the federal government’s dedication to incorporating Technology into the country’s learning system to close the gaps in skills and facilities. During a discussion with a World Bank Nigeria delegation in Abuja at the Presidential Villa, Shettima assured that technological advancements would revolutionise the academic sector. As reported by his press representative, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima addressed the meeting by recognising the fundamental issues facing the country’s academic system. These issues include inadequate resources and unequal access, particularly in rural regions.
Despite this, he expressed hope that these problems could be effectively tackled with united efforts and strong governmental commitment. He believes the government primarily emphasises making Education drive the country’s development. He further stressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s government to guide the nation toward enduring advancement by implementing strategic and transformative reforms across multiple sectors, particularly in education. Recognising the challenges in achieving significant change, Shettima admitted it is a slow yet essential transition for the nation’s prosperity.
KYAN smart class solution from India will be integrated into academics.
Shettima emphasised the influence of technology in education by referencing India’s successful deployment of KYAN smart class solutions, which have benefitted about 50,000 students in rural areas. This program showcases the potential of technology to reach marginalised communities and offer improved learning experiences. He was convinced that similar innovations could be integrated into the academic system to drive meaningful enhancements. Like many other developing countries, this nation’s academic system faces significant infrastructural challenges. Inadequate facilities are worsened by a lack of skilled teachers and insufficient resources to meet the increasing need for high-quality learning. Authorities consider technology a means to broaden learning opportunities and enhance the efficiency and quality of educational services.
On his part, Ndiamé Diop, the World Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, positively acknowledged Shettima’s comments. Diop outlined the organisation’s goals for enhancing education and health systems and emphasised the Bank’s significant commitment to advancing governance, academic programs, and healthcare projects. The newly launched HOPE initiative is central to this approach, designed to drive reforms in the academic and healthcare sectors. Diop emphasised the crucial role of technology in driving these reforms, enhancing learning access and streamlining healthcare services.
AI is expected to enhance and transform the learning experience.
He pointed out that digital instruments are vital for overseeing different elements of service provision, including the organisation of patient records and the facilitation of follow-up care in the health sector. In education, digital advancements, like artificial intelligence (AI), are projected to improve the learning journey, especially for students in disadvantaged areas. While emphasising technological progress’s potential, Diop pointed out that human resources are vital for success. In addition to enhancing infrastructure, he stressed the importance of having qualified professionals in place to provide high-quality services, whether teachers in schools or healthcare workers in hospitals.
Furthermore, investing in technology and human resources is essential to ensuring that every child in the nation benefits from quality learning in the future. The event also featured other high-ranking officials from the World Bank, such as Taimur Samad, the Operations Manager, alongside Dr. Ritgak Tilley-Gyado, a Senior Health Specialist. These professionals reinforced that while implementing technological innovations is necessary, the effective revitalisation of vital sectors like academics relies on having well-trained and inspired staff.
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In attendance were Ikechukwu Nweje, an expert in governance; Deborah Isser, a primary specialist in governance; and Dilip Parajuli, a senior academic expert. They shared valuable perspectives on reforms in governance and enhancing institutions to facilitate the successful execution of the addressed initiatives. The partnership formed between Nigeria and the World Bank demonstrates a solid dedication to tackling the nation’s urgent developmental challenges. Although the focus on technology is encouraging, it fits into a broader plan to enhance the vital sectors necessary for the country’s advancement.