It is an axiom that government alone cannot provide everything that the citizens need.
It is a related axiom that when organizations and persons with capacity see that a government is doing its bit, then they partner with it to extend the frontiers of visible service delivery and fruits of democracy to the citizenry.
So it was with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) as it received donation of a well equipped 20- person-capacity West African Examinations Council (WAEC)-standard Information Communications Technology (ICT) laboratory for one of its secondary schools.
There was jubilation among staff and students of the remote Government Secondary School (GSS), Orozo, when the vital facility was commissioned in the school.
Orozo is a serene community under Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
The donation came from a private organization, OFON Essential Global Foundation.
The event attracted several dignatories.
In her opening remarks on the occasion, the Senator representing FCT, Senator Ireti Kingibe, described education and technology as crucial for national development.
She emphasized the need to ensure education is given the needed attention in FCT.
Senator Kingibe disclosed that plans are underway by her office to establish Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers in Karshi and AMAC to benefit many more FCT students.
Senator Kingibe pledged to pay the school fees of 100 indigent students of GSS Orozo and provide a solar-powered generator to ensure uninterrupted learning in the newly donated ICT laboratory.
Also speaking, the lawmaker representing FCT North in the House of Representatives, Rep Chinedu Obika, said education is a top priority of his legislative agenda, promising to work tirelessly to address all education-related challenges in his constituency.
He warned that no nation should take the education of its citizens lightly and reiterated his commitment to continuing to place education in the front burner by providing learning materials,tables,chairs and scholarship, among other education resources, for students to excel in their academics.
Rep Obika commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its dedication to educational development, insisting that as Nigeria’s capital, FCT must continue to set the pace in equipping schools with necessary tools to compete in this Digital Age and for academic excellence.
He thanked Sen. Kingibe for her passion and commitment to improving the lives of residents and enhancing the teaching and learning environment.
Speaking earlier, Mandate Secretary, Education, FCTA, Dr Danlami Hayyo, who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Education Secretariat, Mrs Joy Okeke, expressed gratitude to the OFON Essential Global Foundation for their generous contribution, emphasizing the importance of Public-Private Partnerships in advancing education.
According to him, the development highlighted the invaluable role of collaboration in education.
Dr Hayyo disclosed that FCTA prioritizes investing in technology and digital resources to ensure that students remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
The Education boss commended the Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his efforts in creating an enabling learning environment that has led to significant improvements in school infrastructure and educational resources.
He urged the GSS Orozo students to make the most of the facility while calling on the school management to ensure its proper maintenance for long-term sustainability.
In his address, the Director/ Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB), Dr Sani Ladan, acknowledged the efforts of the stakeholders in enhancing the quality of education in the teaching and learning process, reiterating the board’s commitment to continuing to maintain positive partnerships with organizations of like mind.
In his remarks, President, OFON Essential Global Foundation, Engr Essien O. Emmanuel, explained that the donation of the ICT laboratory was to enhance students’ learning experiences and prepare them for CBT in WAEC and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
Engr. Emmanuel commended the guests for their presence and unrelenting efforts to continue to impact their constituencies.
He said the facility will further strengthen the organization’s commitment to digital education.
Giving a vote of thanks, Principal of the benefiting school, Mrs Bariyat Haruna, expressed delight at the donation, adding that it is an investment in the future of the students which will empower them with skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world.
She promised that the school will utilize the facility in advancing innovation and academic success.
