The Kwara State Government has taken a significant leap toward modernizing its education sector by training 50 teachers in high-demand tech skills. The four-day intensive program focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and digital entrepreneurship, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional teaching and the global digital economy.
A Public-Private Synergy Held at the Educational Resource Centre in Ilorin, the initiative was a collaborative effort between the state government, Digital Innovation Schools Nigeria, and the Tech2Grassroots Africa Pilot Programme. The cohort included educators from both public and private schools, ensuring a uniform upgrade in teaching standards across the state.
The Vision: From Consumption to Creation The State Commissioner for Education, Lawal Olohungbebe (represented by Permanent Secretary Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake), emphasized that the goal is not just to teach technology, but to integrate it into the entrepreneurship curriculum.
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Global Relevance: Equipping teachers to navigate “evolving global education demands.”
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STEAM Integration: Moving beyond rote learning to problem-solving using science and engineering methodologies.
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AI in the Classroom: Training teachers on how AI tools can enhance lesson delivery and student engagement.
Driving Societal Impact Ayobami Oludele, CEO of KwaraTech Academy, praised the state’s ongoing education reforms under Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. He urged the participants to see themselves as “catalysts for development,” reminding them that the skills they acquired would directly impact the quality of students entering the Nigerian workforce.
The Practical Edge The training sessions were highly practical, focusing on:
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Digital Tool Kits: Apps and platforms that simplify complex subjects.
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Entrepreneurship Concepts: Teaching students how to monetize digital skills early.
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Classroom Innovation: Methods to make learning more interactive and technology-driven.
