State Governor of the Land of Honour and Integrity (Ekiti), Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s focus on digital education as part of broader efforts to improve learning outcomes across public schools in the state.
Speaking at the formal commissioning of a Smart School at Government College, Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Governor said his administration is committed to establishing digital classrooms in all public schools to ensure pupils are better equipped for a technology-driven future.
The new facility was donated by Mr. Gbolahan Olayomi, Chairman and Chief Executive of Equipment Hub Group, featuring modern digital learning tools including interactive smart boards, internet connectivity, and CCTV for monitoring.
Governor Oyebanji described the facility as a major boost to teaching and learning, noting that Government College was chosen based on its consistent record of academic excellence. He disclosed that although there was pressure to site the project in his hometown, he insisted on merit as the basis for selection.
”When the request came, I asked the Ministry of Education, which school in the state has been doing well. If a donor has come to give us this magnitude of investment, there must be value addition. Because they decided to take it to my community, and I said no. And I know this will add more value to your performance and I thank God that I didn’t allow primordial sentiments to obscure my sense of objectivity,” the Governor said.
He also announced plans to commence large-scale training of teachers to align with emerging global educational practices. Teachers will be equipped with the skills required to effectively manage and deliver lessons using digital tools.
In a related development, the Governor revealed that recruitment of 1,800 teaching and non-teaching staff will soon commence, with strict adherence to merit.
” I have approved recruitment of 1,800 teachers and non-teaching staff, and It must be based strictly on merit. And if anybody comes to you using my name just know it is a lie. I’m not going to send anybody to you, and I’m saying it publicly here”, the Governor added.
He encouraged both teachers and students to embrace the government’s capacity-building programs and reiterated his pledge to make free and compulsory education available to all children of school age across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, applauded the Governor’s leadership, highlighting its impact across multiple sectors. She urged parents to enroll their children in the Smart School, stressing that its facilities rival what is available in more advanced countries.
In his address, the Donor, Mr Gbolahan Olayomi said the project was aimed at helping Ekiti students compete globally. He explained that the facility includes 16 solar-powered classrooms, each fitted with Wowbii interactive digital screens, enabling students to revisit recorded lessons and engage in remote learning.
He noted that the use of advanced technology, including cameras and screen-sharing tools replaces traditional teaching aids and promotes an engaging learning experience.
The initiative, both in its infrastructure and vision, marks a significant step towards reshaping the landscape of public education in Ekiti State.
