By Adeola Badru

The Oyo State Government has taken steps to transform foundational education in public schools through a new partnership with EIDU GmbH, a German education technology company.

The collaboration aims to implement a digital learning pilot programme, which commenced in the first term of the 2024/2025 academic year, and is already making waves in four selected public primary schools across the state.

The pilot programme will equip students and teachers with essential digital tools designed to enhance foundational literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.

In addition, teachers will receive tailored training and resources, empowering them to deliver high-quality education and improve classroom outcomes.

By leveraging technology, the initiative sought to improve learning outcomes for young students, fostering an engaging environment that supports both teachers and learners.

The integration of EIDU’s digital learning platform will further provide access to interactive educational content, real-time assessment tools, and comprehensive teacher support resources, all focused on strengthening foundational skills.

During the launch, yesterday, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his Executive Assistant on Administration and Human Capital Development, Reverend Idowu Ogedengbe, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and optimism about its potential expansion to other regions, reflecting the governor’s vision for educational improvement.

Ogedengbe reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to enhancing education through innovation and strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, aligning with national education priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

According to him, EIDU is dedicated to improving learning outcomes for children in underserved African communities by providing access to effective digital solutions.

He explained the platform is designed to support teachers, track student progress, and create engaging learning environments.

Ogedenge said the state’s Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) plays a crucial role in coordinating the pilot programme, ensuring alignment with Nigeria’s educational objectives.

Given the early successes of the initiative, he announced plans to deepen collaboration with EIDU to expand the programme to more schools across the state.

Ogedenge said a technical team led by Tomas Kessl, EIDU’s Director of Partnership, is currently in the state to engage government and education officials, laying the groundwork for this expansion.

The initiative, he stated, promised numerous benefits, including improved literacy and numeracy outcomes through standardized assessments, enhanced digital literacy, teacher capacity building, and community engagement, involving local communities and Parents-Teachers Associations (PTAs) in the implementation process.

Ogedengbe emphasised Governor Makinde’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring every child has access to quality education.

He commended EIDU and all stakeholders for their contributions to the pilot programme’s success, highlighting their role in shaping a brighter future for Oyo State’s children.

In his remarks, Tomas Kessl stressed the importance of providing educators with digital solutions tailored to the local context, reinforcing that the partnership aligned with EIDU’s vision for technology-driven foundational education.

Kessl assured journalists that EIDU is committed to sustaining the project long-term in the state, aligning with the government’s priorities and looking forward to expanding the initiative to other schools in various geopolitical zones.

He said teachers involved in the project will receive specialised training to seamlessly integrate technology into their classrooms, ensuring effective implementation and lasting impact.

The meeting included notable attendees such as Mr. Kabir Issah, Principal Private Secretary to Governor Makinde, and Mr. Tunde Aiki, Director of Administration and Supply at the Governor’s Office.

Joining Kessl were other EIDU officials, including Henry Were, Head of Operations in Kenya; Ignatius Attah, Government Relations Specialist for EIDU in Nigeria, and Mary Adubifa, EIDU Officer in Oyo State.

Vanguard News