Oyebanji pledges to transform education sector with smart technology integration
…Reinforces commitment to policies that equip students for real-world challenges
The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to implementing educational policies that align with societal demands and equip students with practical skills to navigate real-world challenges.
Governor Oyebanji made this declaration at the weekend while receiving a delegation from South Korea, led by the Deputy Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Mr Baik Ki-Hyyn. The delegation was in Ekiti State to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Smart School Project.
According to a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji emphasised that his government is strategically harnessing smart technology in education to foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities among students.
This initiative, he noted, would ensure that graduates from Ekiti State are well-equipped to address contemporary challenges and contribute meaningfully to both state and national development.
Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the South Korean Government for its collaboration, underscoring his administration’s significant investments in education, not merely to promote literacy and numeracy, but also to facilitate human capital development, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of Ekiti’s workforce.
The Governor further assured that his government would sustain efforts to ensure that Ekiti State remains a frontrunner in smart technology adoption for education at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
“We sincerely appreciate KOICA’s partnership with UBEC, which has led to the establishment of smart schools in Ekiti State. Education is our primary industry, and we take immense pride in being one of the most academically advanced states in Nigeria. It is our duty to preserve and enhance this distinguished status.
“Our administration is founded on six core pillars, one of which is human capital development, and since assuming office, we have made deliberate interventions in this sector. We firmly believe that education is the cornerstone of development and growth, and knowledge remains irreplaceable.
“Furthermore, we are committed to ensuring that our education strategy and policies not only promote literacy and numeracy but also effectively address the evolving needs of society,” the Governor asserted.
Speaking earlier, KOICA Deputy Country Director, Mr Baik Ki-Hyyn, commended Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering dedication to advancing education through innovative policies. He acknowledged that Ekiti State had demonstrated remarkable leadership among the six Nigerian states selected for the Smart School Project, which commenced in 2021.
The Country Director praised the state government’s progressive initiatives in the education sector, affirming that the South Korean Government is eager to embark on the second phase of the project.
This expansion, he explained, would be implemented under the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) to enhance the capacity of existing smart schools and extend educational resources to underserved and rural communities.
Present at the meeting were top government officials, including: Chief of Staff – Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education – Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye; Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) – Prof Femi Akiwunmi; SUBEB Commissioner for Human Resources Management – Dr (Mrs) Olufunke Fajobi; SUBEB Commissioner for Project Management – Dr Kayode Adeoye.
Their presence underscored the state government’s collective commitment to fostering an educational system that is both innovative and globally competitive.
