In commemoration of International Children’s Day 2024, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed the significance of digitalising education in Nigeria.
She stated this during a programme hosted by the Senate Committee on Women Affairs to mark 2024 International Children’s Day, on Wednesday.
She stressed that every child has the right to education, regardless of their background.
The senator highlighted the benefits of digital learning, citing examples from Rwanda and Ghana where most public primary and secondary schools have already gone digital.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also shared her efforts to promote digital education in her community.
“Education is a fundamental right, and the future of education lies in its digitalisation. Over the past three weeks, I have commissioned 5,000 digital learning devices, which have been distributed to public primary and secondary schools in Kogi Central. Embracing digitalisation in education is essential.
“As you sit here today, remember that your colleagues in Rwanda and Ghana have successfully transformed their public primary and secondary schools into digital learning environments. What does this mean? It means simplifying education and making the best educational resources accessible to every child,” she stated.
Additionally, she pledged to equip one public secondary school in the FCT with digital learning devices.
In attendance are Senator Ireti Kingibie, Senator Neda Imasuen, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Minister of Women Affairs, ably represented by the Permanent Director of Child Development, Association of Society Engineers, amongst others.
The senator’s advocacy for digital education is part of her broader commitment to empowering Nigerian youth. She has been a vocal advocate for education and has worked to promote local content and capacity building in various sectors.
As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Akpoti-Uduaghan has met with representatives from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Bank of Industry (BoI) to strengthen capacity building and collaboration. Her efforts aim to enhance synergy between government agencies and maximise impact on Nigerian beneficiaries.