NDDC, RHI partner to provide pupils learning tablets

CAll it transformative education, you may not be wrong. Spearheaded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the brainchild of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the project is aimed at making learning easy for primary and secondary school pupils in Niger Delta. The idea is to mix education with technology and innovation for the betterment and growth of the pupils.

NDDC is leveraging digital learning resources to enhance education in the region in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals – SDGG-4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

To achieve this goal, pupils must be armed with digital tools and equipment to support their educational advancement.

The NDDC and RHI partnership has come alive with the launch of a large-scale digital education initiative aimed at distributing 45,000 U-Lesson tablets to primary and secondary schools across the nine states in the Niger Delta.

Excited by development, the First Lady, an educationist by calling, praised NDDC during the launch of the U-lesson innovation at the Banquet hall of the State House, Abuja.

She lauded NDDC Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for the initiative.  Many schools in the region have received the U-Lesson tablets.

According to the First Lady, the U-Lesson tablets initiative highlights the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the development of Niger Delta.

She said: “Digital lesson devices are revolutionising education in underserved communities. These devices provide access to a wealth of educational resources that will empower students to learn at their own pace, in addition to classroom teachings.

“I was informed that the U-Lesson education software is tailored to align with the Nigerian educational system, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in our local context,” she said.

She noted that using electronic tablets would enhance education in the region, adding that by distributing these educational software, services and tablets, “we are taking a significant step towards achieving the United Nations (UN) goals for education.

The First Lady said she was confident that the Digital learning resources “will enhance students’ engagement, streamline curriculum development and accessibility, and ultimately boost student performance and achievement.”

Mrs. Tinubu noted that digital devices are transforming educational access in underserved communities, and providing resources that foster academic excellence, creativity, and innovation.

“These devices provide access to a wealth of educational resources that will empower students to learn at their own pace and style, in addition to classroom teachings,” she said.

She said the U-Lesson software aligned with the Nigerian curriculum, stressing the importance of its offline video library, which allows students to learn without internet connectivity, and other features like parental controls and extended battery life.

Mrs. Tinubu added: “This programme also aligns with the Federal Government’s Digital Policy, which aims to create an innovative digital learning ecosystem, foster local skills development, and establish sustainable systems. Nigeria cannot afford to be left out of the global village”

Welcoming guests at the event, Ogbuku, stressed the need to prioritise digital learning to create equal educational opportunities, particularly as many regional school facilities require repairs.

“Unlike physical structures, digital tools do not need constant renovation,” he reasoned.

Ogbuku said the event underscored NDDC’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development of Niger Delta.

“In addition to the distribution of these tablets, the NDDC has also employed the services of a consultant to train teachers in the use of U-Lesson tablets for effectiveness across the nine mandate states and nationwide.

“Over the years, we have built schools, but most schools are dilapidated and need renovation. These digital devices will educate our children and boost innovative skills,” he said.

Ogbuku observed that distributing the education tools was a practical demonstration of President Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said that the U-Lesson tablets initiative was not merely about providing digital devices; “it is a significant leap forward in our commitment to integrating technology into the educational processes that shape our children’s future.

He said, “The software includes parental controls and a long battery life of up to 18 hours, making it a reliable and safe tool for students and educators.

“By equipping our schools with these digital tools, we supplement traditional face-to-face instruction and empower students to master their materials and perform better in their tests and examinations. We believe that every student in our region deserves access to quality education.”

Advising the students, Ogbuku said: “We hope that these tablets will inspire you to dream big, work hard, and achieve your goals. Education is the key to unlocking your potential and shaping your future.

One of the software’s standout features is its offline video library, which allows learners to play, pause, and rewind educational content without needing an internet connection.

Minister of Regional Development, Senator Abubakar Momoh, expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to uplift communities.

“This partnership represents a shared vision of prosperity and self-reliance for every child, youth, and woman in our communities,” he said, highlighting its focus on education, health, youth empowerment, and agriculture.

NDDC Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, emphasised the commission’s commitment to forming strategic partnerships. He said: “At NDDC, we aim to partner with the right people because we seek to change the narrative.”

The founder of U-Lesson Education and Managing Director of U-Lesson Group, Mr. Sim Shagaya, said the tablets would put the children of everyday people on equal footing with those from wealthier backgrounds.