By Laolu Elijah, Ibadan

The Executive Officer (CEO) of Cherithpoint Education and Youth Development Initiative, Mrs Olajumoke Akere has called on the three tiers of government in the country to consider subsidizing public internet so as to bridge the digital gap between rural and urban dwellers.

Akere said this at a symposium organised by GoToCourse, an Edtech platform, in recognition of Digital Literacy Day in Ibadan.

Akere opined that high premium should be given to education and digital literacy noting these two elements are vital for the advancement of any nation’s economy.

Speaking on the theme, “Digital Inclusion and Accessibility, the challenge of the Digital Divide”, she stressed that everyone should double their efforts in promoting digital literacy in this era so as to avoid plunging into digital abyss.

Akere emphasized the need for governments as well as private sectors to collaborate and put in place strategies to bridge the digital divide and ensure digital literacy takes the frontburner in their policy formulation.

According to the CEO, education and digital literacy go hand in hand and are substantial for the progress of any nation especially in this digital era we live in.

Achieving digital inclusion, according to her, transcends providing access to the internet or devices but extends to cultivating a world where every individual can effectively use digital technologies.

She reiterated that closing the digital divide requires prioritising education and skill advancement in Information Communication Technology (ICT) and equipping people with the skills needed to use digital technology efficiently and effectively and in turn promote digital literacy.

Akere further elaborated that inadequate digital literacy could hamper education especially in developing nations.

The CEO advised that both developed and developing nations must take practical steps in ensuring equal access to digital resources.

Akere also listed steps that must be taken by government to bridge this divide which include policy framework formulation, infrastructure development, education and skill advancement.

She suggested that governments should create comprehensive policies that promote digital inclusion.

“These policies could include providing subsidies for broadband and devices, establishing public internet access points, and sponsoring digital literacy programmes.

“There is the need for robust infrastructure that would aid digital inclusion such as nationwide broadband networks,” she said.

Akere said that students in rural or impoverished areas often lack access to digital devices and the internet, thus hindering their ability to engage in digital learning.

She said, “Without access to digital technologies, students in disadvantaged regions struggle to develop digital literacy which is critical for future job prospects and participation in the digital economy.”

She highlighted the transformative role that digital technologies can have in enhancing educational experiences through a variety of tools and resources.

In his remark, Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Soliu AbdulWaheed commended GoToCourse’s efforts of providing digital literacy for the community of students, teachers and educators.