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EKITI, Nigeria - The South Korean government is poised to initiate the second phase of its educational initiative at the Ekiti Smart School in Ijan-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
It is noteworthy that the South Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has been actively engaged in the establishment of smart schools across six pilot states in Nigeria, including the one situated in Ekiti State.
The KOICA Smart School project intends to enhance access to quality education in Nigeria by harnessing technology. In Ekiti State, this project is being executed in partnership with the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
During an event where he welcomed a delegation from KOICA, Prof. Femi Akinwumi, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, announced this development while the team conducted a comprehensive survey of the smart school project at Ijan-Ekiti. Akinwumi expressed his enthusiasm regarding the imminent support from the South Korean government through KOICA’s second phase of intervention.
He praised the decision to commence this second phase, asserting that it would significantly bolster the school’s capabilities and extend its reach to rural areas and other regions within the state. Akinwumi reaffirmed the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration to enacting educational policies aimed at enhancing the basic education sector, emphasizing that the integration of smart technology would promote critical thinking and creativity among students.
He expressed gratitude to KOICA and the South Korean government for their substantial investment in smart education, which encompasses capacity-building programs for teachers, educators, and policymakers, among others.
In his remarks, Kihyun commended the Oyebanji-led administration for its dedication to enhancing education through innovative policies. He noted that Ekiti State had performed exceptionally well compared to the other pilot states selected for the project in Nigeria.
Additionally, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has urged authorities at all levels, corporate entities, and philanthropists to invest more significantly in education to cultivate global billionaires and brands.
Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central District in the Senate, made this appeal following the Ekiti State University’s conferral of an honorary Doctor of Law degree on him during its 29th convocation at the main campus in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
In his speech at the convocation, the Senate Leader highlighted the crucial role of education in the socio-economic advancement of nations globally, which, as he stated, has been pivotal in achieving developmental objectives and overcoming significant challenges. He therefore called on both public and private sectors to reassess their strategies and recommit to meaningful investment in human capital.
Furthermore, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodele Joseph, listed several projects that Bamidele has facilitated for the institution, including the construction of male and female hostels for medical students, a mini stadium, and the establishment of an FM Radio Station.
