Abuja: 15 Federal and State Colleges of Education have received Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment donated by the Government of Japan to strengthen teacher training and advance digital transformation in Nigeria’s education sector. The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, announced this development during the handover ceremony in Abuja, facilitated through the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the intervention includes training on safe learning environments and infrastructure security, aligning with the Federal Ministry of Education’s priorities. Prof. Ahmad expressed gratitude to UNESCO, the Government of Japan, the African Union, and other development partners for their support in enhancing teacher education and expanding access to quality education in West Africa.
The initiative, launched in March 2024, aims to strengthen teacher-training institutions and improve equitable access to education in six African countries: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Nigeria. Prof. Ahmad emphasized that teachers are crucial to any education system, and no reform can succeed without well-trained, motivated, and empowered educators.
The donated ICT equipment, comprising laptops, tablets, desktop computers, smart boards, projectors, printers, and backup hard drives, is expected to bolster institutional capacity, enhance digital learning opportunities, and promote innovative teaching methods. The selected 15 colleges span across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Prof. Ahmad urged the beneficiary institutions to ensure effective and sustainable use of the equipment, emphasizing that learners are the ultimate beneficiaries of improved teacher capacity and digital competence. She highlighted the importance of safe schools in achieving quality education, especially for young and vulnerable learners.
Dr. Uchenna Uba, Director of the Colleges of Education Department in the ministry, described the initiative as a collaborative effort to improve teacher education and expand access to quality learning opportunities. She noted that digital resources would enhance educational material access, classroom instruction, and teachers’ digital skills.
Mr. Hitoshi Kozaki, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan, expressed satisfaction with the partnership between Nigeria and Japan in the education sector, confident that the equipment would significantly enhance teacher education and learning outcomes. Dr. Quentin Wodon, Director of UNESCO-IICBA, praised the intervention for its potential impact on transforming teacher education and advancing girl-child education.
Dr. Adegbemisola Olotu, Deputy Provost of FCT College of Education, Zuba, explained that the equipment would benefit lecturers, students, and non-academic staff through blended learning and digital activities. The list of beneficiary institutions includes Federal College of Education, Kontagora; Federal College of Education, Zaria; Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, and others across Nigeria.