The Oyo State Government, on Tuesday, handed out approximately 18,000 tablet devices to teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the state’s 33 local government areas as part of efforts to enhance teaching efficiency and improve learning outcomes.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, carried out the presentation at Emmanuel College, Agbowo, Ibadan.
He stated that all recipients would participate in a compulsory four-week training programme at 16 centres across the state to ensure they acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to use the devices effectively.
The intervention initiative was made possible through the Global Partnership in Education, funded by the World Bank in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board.
Makinde described the programme as a “bold step towards digitalising education” in Oyo State, pointing out that the tablets come preloaded with teaching resources, academic materials, and e-learning tools to assist teachers in preparing and delivering lessons more effectively.
“This is not just about giving out gadgets; it is about equipping our teachers with modern tools to match global best practices in education. The tablet is well-packaged with several apps and is meant for all our teachers in this state, 18,000 in all. We are determined to raise the standard of teaching and ensure our children get the best learning experience possible,” he said.
The governor noted that the tablets would also serve to monitor lesson plans, evaluate students’ performance, and provide real-time data to aid educational planning and policy-making.
He reiterated his administration’s dedication to transforming education, highlighting that the 2025 budget allocation for the sector already exceeds the UNESCO benchmark.
Makinde expressed appreciation to stakeholders such as BESDA, SUBEB, TESCOM, the Ministry of Education, and UBEC for their contributions and urged teachers to reciprocate the gesture through commitment and dedication.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Intervention, Suraj Tiamiyu, confirmed that the training would be conducted in 16 centres throughout the state.
SUBEB Chairman, Nureni Adeniran ,commended the initiative, stating that the devices would improve both the quality of teaching and students’ academic outcomes.
One of the beneficiaries, Olufisayo Fajuyigbe, speaking on behalf of the teachers, expressed gratitude to the governor for his continuous investment in education.
Notable attendees at the event included the South-West Director of UBEC, Alabi Baba-Asaju; Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Adelabu Solihu; Commissioner for Special Duties, Faosat Sanni; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke; Chairperson of TESCOM, Olubukola Oladipo; Chairman of the State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Ayodele Adekanmbi; and State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Ismael Raji, among others.
