FG distributes ICT equipment to 15 colleges of education

Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad Photo: Web

The Federal Government has officially received and handed over Information and Communication Technology equipment and materials to 15 Federal and State Colleges of Education across the six geopolitical zones to strengthen teacher training, promote digital literacy, and improve access to quality education. The handover ceremony, held in Abuja on Tuesday, was facilitated through support from the Government of Japan and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa under the project, ‘Capacity-building of Teachers to Promote Continuous and Inclusive Access to Safe and Quality Education for Girls in West Africa.’ Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, described the intervention as a significant contribution to the education sector and aligned with the ministry’s strategic priorities. Ahmad commended UNESCO-IICBA, the Government of Japan, and the African Union for launching the regional project in March 2024, noting that it demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening teacher preparation systems and expanding educational opportunities, particularly for girls. She said the project, which covers Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Nigeria, aligns with the “Federal Ministry of Education’s priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in the areas of equity, quality, digital transformation, and inclusive education.” “Teachers remain the backbone of every education system. No education reform can succeed without well-trained, motivated, and digitally empowered teachers,” the minister stated. According to her, the ICT resources will enhance both pre-service and in-service teacher training through improved access to digital learning content, innovative teaching methods, and learner-centred instructional approaches. The 15 beneficiary institutions include the Federal College of Education, Kontagora; Federal College of Education, Zaria; Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe; Federal College of Education, Yola; Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State; Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze; College of Education, Zuba; Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education; Enugu State College of Education (Technical); Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso-Kano; Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu; Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto; Adamawa State College of Education,