The Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has said the commission’s educational interventions is yielding positive results as six states from the region made first best ten performing states in 2024 ranking of West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).
Speaking during the flag-off of the distribution of U-LESSON Tablets to Primary and Secondary Schools in Bayelsa states on Monday in Yenagoa, Ogbuku, listed the top states in WAEC ranking from the region to include; Abia, Edo, Rivers, Imo, Bayelsa, Delta.
Represented by, Dr George Uzonwanne, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services in the board, Ogbuku stated that the distribution of U-LESSON Tablets schools in the region was part of NDDC mandated to support states in their drive to address education concerns and the interests of the people of the region.
He 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.
He said the distribution of the education tools is a testament to the Hope Agenda championed by the President 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.
He said: “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 ulesson 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 fool 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.”
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Ulesson, Mr. Sim Shagaya, said the program represent the largest investment in education technology by any agency in any national government, sub national government in sub Saharan Africa.
Seventeen schools from Bayelsa State were given 200 Ulesson tablets each during the ceremony.