The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated a digital economy centre and e-learning facilities to Ogbomoso Girls’ High School, Oyo State.
The project, a collaborative efforts between Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady and NITDA, was aimed at providing more access to technology for women and girls in Nigeria.
Speaking during the inauguration and handover of the project on Tuesday in Ogbomoso, Tinubu described the initiative as a strategic step forward in setting the path for Nigerian women and girls to participate and strive in the digital revolution.
Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, said the project further demonstrated the commitment of the Bola Tinubu administration at ensuring equitable access to opportunities across the country.
“In our quest for national development, we must recognise the undisputable role of technology in advancing gender equality by ensuring women’s full participation in the digital revolution through access to technology.
“We can unlock the potential that will enable women and girls to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, innovation and social progress towards national better prosperity.
“As we strive towards building a more inclusive and equitable society, I urge all beneficiaries to take ownership of the project and maximise benefits of the centre,’’ she said.
She added that the Renewed Hope Initiative social investment programme in collaboration with NITDA under the National Digital Gender Inclusion strategy would equip more centres with e-learning facilities in the remaining states of the federation before the end of the year.
Also speaking, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, said the state government would soon implement a Connected Learning for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics digital platform in the state schools.
Adelabu expressed the readiness of the state government to drive education through innovative technology.
He added that schools in the state would be digitally connected within a target period of two years.
In her remarks, the Principal of the school, Mrs Zainab Odekunle, said the e-learning facilities would give easy access to modern resources for both teachers and the students.