In commemoration of this year’s Children’s Day and to advocate the importance of digital competency among youngsters, wife of former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, has charged the Federal Government to invest deliberately in students’ digital education in order to jump-start digital skill acquisition.
Mrs Obasanjo made the remarks at the digital competency competition organised for secondary school students in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital by the Center for Industrial Engineering Research and Economic Development (CIERED).
Wife of the former president expressed displeasure over the poor digital literacy rate among students in government schools, nothing that it is imperative that students are equipped with the necessary digital skills to thrive in this era.
Mrs Obasanjo urged the government to prioritise investments in digital education, which she said will not only improve the quality of education but also prepare students for the IT-driven labour market.
Her words: “Government should help us give digital education to students. This education is the bedrock of society in today’s world. Government should fund digital education in government schools.
“Also public and private schools should mingle together to learn the necessary skills. Government should empower them with digital education.
The Director-General of CIERED, Dr. Tobi Adeuyi, while addressing the participants, argued that digital competency has become an indispensable asset to harness the boundless opportunities in the rapidly evolving world.
To this end, Adeuyi said the digital competency competition was designed for students to showcase their digital skills and creativity as well as learn and improve their digital competence.
The ICT expert equally noted that the idea behind the programme was to advocate for digital competency, to be included in school curriculum for the young creative minds to be innovative and able to meet the demand of the technology driven society.
While noting that Technology has changed the way people live, work, and communicate In the modern world, the ICT expert stressed that digital education is essential for students to develop the skills needed to compete in the global economy.
His words: “Digital competency has become an indispensable asset, enabling Individuals, businesses, and societies to harness the boundless opportunities that lie before us.
“Technology has changed the way we live, work, and communicate In today’s world.
“Digital competency is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for all. Digital competency is the ability to use -digital tools and technologies to access, manage, and create information and knowledge.
“It is a crucial skill that everyone needs to succeed in the 21st century”, he added.
The Permanent Secretary of Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology who was represented by the Director of Science and Technology at the Ministry, Samuel Ogunpola stated that if we must prepare for a generation that is mentally ready for the future of work, government must promote and encourage digital education.
Highlight of the event featured Foursquare International Secondary School coming top of the competition, having won the maiden edition of CIERED’s Digital Competency Competition for Secondary Schools in Ogun State.
