Korean Government has offered to assist the Federal Government through the Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC in its efforts to build smart schools across some locations in Nigeria.
The Country Director of the Korea International Co-operation Agency (KOICA), Mr. Son Sungil, explained that the assistance would revolve around the supply of sophisticated recording and broadcasting studio equipment in some of the smart schools, content development with particular reference to Mathematics and Science, and capacity building for teachers and education managers across the country in the use of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the Blended Learning methodology.
Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, in a statement by the Head, Public Relations (UBEC), David Apeh, indicated that a three-man team from KOICA has been in Nigeria since July 3rd, 2022, as part of the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between KOICA and UBEC in October 2021.
Dr. Boboyi said the objectives of the MoU was to assist Nigeria in the development of the smart school projects, increase the capacity of teachers in the development and use of ICT content, and to improve the access of teachers and pupils to quality teaching and learning materials.
He reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to commence operations in some of the newly constructed smart schools by January 2023.
The Korean government team leader, Prof. Hwang, thanked the UBEC boss for the warm reception and collaboration they received from the Commission during their stay noting that the three pillars of the assistance would yield the desired fruits.
The Coordinator of the Smart Schools Programme, Prof. Bashir Galadanci stated that, during their one-month stay, the Korean team of experts had extensive discussions with officials of UBEC, NERDC, and NTI on the Smart Schools Programme.
He confirmed that the team visited Smart Schools in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and Tarda, Kano State, and had discussions with the SUBEB chairmen and officials of Kano and Nasarawa states, respectively.
RN