Oyo dispenses 18,000 tablets to teachers
The Oyo State Government has distributed about 18,000 tablet devices to teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the 33 local government areas of the state, as part of efforts to boost teaching efficiency and improve learning outcomes.
The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, performed the presentation at Emmanuel College, Agbowo, Ibadan.
He announced that all beneficiaries would undergo compulsory four-week training at 16 centres across the state to ensure they acquire the knowledge and skills needed to use the devices effectively.
The intervention programme was facilitated by the Global Partnership in Education, sponsored by the World Bank in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board.
The governor described the initiative as a “bold step towards digitalising education” in Oyo State, noting that the tablets are preloaded with teaching resources, academic materials, and e-learning tools to help teachers prepare and deliver lessons more effectively.
“This is not just about giving out gadgets, it is about equipping our teachers with modern tools to match global best practices in education. The tablet is well-packaged with several apps and is meant for all our teachers in this state — 18,000 in all. We are determined to raise the standard of teaching and ensure our children get the best learning experience possible,” he said.
The governor explained that the tablets would also be used to track lesson plans, assess students’ performance, and provide real-time data for educational planning and policy formulation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming education, pointing out that the 2025 budget allocation for the sector already surpasses the UNESCO threshold.
Makinde commended stakeholders for their contributions, including BESDA, SUBEB, TESCOM, the Ministry of Education, and UBEC, urging teachers to reciprocate the gesture through dedication and commitment.
Suraj Tiamiyu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Intervention, said the training would be held in 16 centres statewide.
Nureni Adeniran, SUBEB Chairman, praised the initiative, saying the devices would enhance both teaching quality and student performance.
One of the beneficiaries, Olufisayo Fajuyigbe, speaking on behalf of the teachers, thanked the governor for his sustained investment in education.
Dignitaries at the event included the South-West Director of UBEC, Alabi Baba-Asaju; Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Adelabu Solihu; Commissioner for Special Duties, Faosat Sanni; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke; Chairperson of TESCOM, Olubukola Oladipo; Chairman of the State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Ayodele Adekanmbi; and State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Ismael Raji, among others.
