School proprietors in Rivers State have been encouraged to adopt accurate, data-driven planning and embrace digital tools to boost school development and educational outcomes.
Speaking at a workshop in Port Harcourt, Mrs. Stella Atukomi, Strategic Planning and ICT Officer at the Rivers Universal Basic Education Board, emphasized the importance of using accurate data to support decision-making across the education sector.
She noted that reliable data helps track student enrollment, staffing levels, and qualifications all crucial for informed policy development and strategic planning. Atukomi revealed that the Board had developed a medium-term education plan in collaboration with stakeholders, factoring in security concerns and infrastructure gaps.
Highlighting the integration of entrepreneurship training into the school system, she credited platforms like CloudNotte for helping track teachers’ performance and training records. She also called for stronger community involvement in safeguarding public school facilities.
“If communities are not part of the process, success cannot be achieved,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Engr. Pacqueens Irabor, Divisional Head of MSMEs at the Bank of Industry (BOI), said the initiative aligned with the bank’s strategy to support education while creating jobs.
He revealed that school owners could access up to N5 million in funding under the Federal Government’s MSMEs intervention fund at a 9% interest rate over three years to invest in solar power, digital tools, and infrastructure like CloudNotte.
Mary Matthew, CEO of CloudNotte, advocated for equity in education and called on governments to improve public school infrastructure. She urged private school owners to adopt smart school technologies to enhance learning environments.
In his keynote address, Prof. Justin Gabriel of Rivers State University described smart schooling as a blend of technology, innovation, leadership, and modern management practices.
He urged school owners to invest in digital infrastructure, smart curriculum development, and continuous system evaluation, stressing the importance of security systems, financial transparency, and digital learning platforms.
“It’s time to move away from outdated administration methods and build smarter, more accountable schools,” Gabriel said.