October 14, (THEWILL) – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in the pursuit of its mandate in the region, has flag-off the distribution of U-LESSON tablets to Primary and Secondary Schools in Bayelsa states.
The ceremony which took place in Yenagoa, the state capital, at the late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Hall, was the continued support to the NDDC-mandated states in their drive to address education concerns and the interests of the people of the region.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the event underscores the unwavering commitment of the Niger Delta Development Commission under the visionary leadership of Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the holistic development of the Niger Delta Region.
The MD/CEO, who was represented by Mr George Uzonwanne, director of Education, Health and Social Services on the Board, said the distribution of these education tools is a testament to the Hope Agenda championed by the President. Saying the Chairman Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyoung, the Board, and the Executive Management of the NDDC are dedicated to fostering educational initiatives that promote literacy, numeracy, and lifelong learning, ensuring that the Niger Delta’s youth can compete on an equal footing with their peers globally.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the learning experience for our students. We are gathered here to flag off the distribution of educational tablets to our schools across the region.
“These tablets are more than just furniture; they represent our commitment to creating a conducive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, creativity, and innovation. With these U-Lesson tablets, our students will have a comfortable and dedicated space to learn, study, and grow. They will be able to engage in collaborative learning, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships with their peers.
“This initiative is not merely about the provision of digital devices; it is a significant leap forward in our commitment to integrating technology into the educational processes that shape the future of our children. By harnessing the power of these digital learning resources, we aim to enhance student engagement, streamline curriculum development and accessibility, and ultimately boost student performance and achievement.
“The u-lesson education software is meticulously tailored to align with the Nigerian educational system, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in our local context. One of the standout features of this software is its offline video library, which allows learners to play, pause, and rewind educational content without the need for an internet connection.
“This is particularly crucial in our region, where internet accessibility can be inconsistent. Additionally, the software includes parent controls and a long battery life of up to 18 hours, making it a reliable and safe tool for both students and educators.
“As we distribute this education software, services, and tablets, we are taking a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
“By equipping our schools with these digital tools, we are not only supplementing traditional face-to-face instruction but also empowering students to master their materials and perform better in their tests and examinations, as we believe that every student in our region deserves access to quality education, and we are dedicated to providing the necessary resources to make that a reality.
“To our students, we hope that these tablets will inspire you to dream big, work hard, and achieve your goals. Remember, education is the key to unlocking your potential and shaping your future.
Dr Ogbuku said in addition to the distribution of the tablets, the NDDC has also employed the services of a consultant to train teachers in the use of U-Lesson tablets for effective use across the nine mandate states.
“He urged all stakeholders to embrace this opportunity with great enthusiasm and optimism. Together, let us harness the power of technology to build a brighter future for the Niger Delta, where every child has the tools and opportunity to succeed.
5000 tablets were distributed to 17 schools during the flag-off ceremony.
In his speech, the Chief Executive Officer of Ulesson, Mr Sim Shagaya said the program represents the largest investment in education technology by any agency, any national government, sub-national government in sub-Saharan Africa.
He said this has never been done before, saying it takes a lot of vision and effort to get them to this place. “We started u-lesson in 2018 with a very simple vision to recombine animation, curriculum, technology, and content and create something that nobody has ever seen before”
“But when we launched the product one week into the lockdown, we discovered that it shored up the academic prowess of the students because they were learning while at home. But we discovered that it’s only the children of the wealthy that were buying it and why we were trying to figure out what to do in order to spread it, the NDDC came in and showed us the way forward”.
“Putting a product like u-lesson in the hands of the average person cannot be discounted, we need to salute the vision of Samuel Ogbuku, the Staff and the management of NDDC for the dream to come to a reality. NDDC has paved the way in Nigeria and the wider continent”
Also speaking the paramount Ruler of the Onopa community in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa state, HRH Morris Tamama applauded and commended the MD CEO of NDDC Dr Sam Ogbuku and his team for the project which is aimed at the development and improvement of educational standards of students just as he requested for increase in the number of schools in the state, as well extending it to private schools in the state.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
