By Chibiike Nwabuko
Abuja, (PRECISE POST) – In a bold step to bridge the digital divide and support Nigeria’s digital education agenda, the Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe has officially flagged off the distribution of 4,600 learning tablets to public secondary schools across the country. The symbolic rollout, held in Abuja, included the donation of 600 devices to 12 senior secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The ceremony which took place at Government Secondary School Garki, on Friday, was attended by key government officials, education stakeholders, and school leaders, marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between MTN Nigeria and the FCT Administration.
“The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” to prioritize digital inclusion and quality education”, Engr. Ndukwe said.
“This ceremony represents more than just the distribution of devices,It reflects our shared commitment to education, innovation, and opportunity for every child, no matter where they live,to access the tools needed to thrive in a connected world.”
The Chairman, who credited the initiative’s momentum to Vice President Kashim Shettima, who after a working visit to South Africa, strongly advocated for the donation of computers to Nigerian schools. “While MTN Foundation has long supported education with ICT investments, this particular rollout has the direct encouragement of the Vice President,” he added.
However, Engr. Ndukwe highlighted that one of the major barrier faced by the telecom giant is that of difficulty in obtaining right-of-way approvals for the installation of base stations and fiber optic cables in the FCT.
“To truly deliver on the promise of digital education, we need telecom infrastructure such as base stations and fiber optics in every school. Without these, devices alone are not enough,” the MTN Chairman emphasized. He therefore urged the FCT Administration to support MTN’s efforts by granting timely approvals so that the telecom company can expand coverage to even the most remote schools.”
In his own address, the representative of the FCT Minister, Town Planner Michael Bawa acknowledged the challenges MTN faces and promised to relay the concerns to the Minister, Nyesom Wike. Drawing from his own experience as a student during the pre-digital era, Bawa noted, “You students are lucky. You now have access to tools we never imagined. Don’t just use these tablet one day, aim to create them.”
Dr. Mohammad Sani Ladan, Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, also expressed gratitude, saying, “This donation is a testament to the power of partnerships in transforming education. MTN is not just investing in devices, they are investing in Nigeria’s future.”
Speaking on behalf of the host school, the principal of GSS Garki, Mr. Sadeeq Ayo Ochiji, thanked MTN and the FCT authorities. “This initiative will empower our students to meet the challenges of the digital age. These tablets are not just tools, they are a gateway to the world.”
He further commended the FCT leadership and MTN for prioritizing both students’ academic development and teachers’ productivity, calling it a “new era of educational excellence.”
MTN Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to supporting digital literacy across all geopolitical zones. The company stressed that Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in global digital transformation, especially in an era driven by artificial intelligence and technological innovation.
Precise Post recalls that the highpoints of the occasion was the distribution of the tablets (Computers) to the various Head teachers of school,
Some of the schools in attendance were; GSS Mpape, GSS Dukpa, GSS Gwagwalada, GSS Tunga Maje, GSS Pegi, GSS Kwali and GSS Airport. Others are, GSS Garki, GSS Gosa, GSS Gwarimpa and GSS Wuse.
The students who were visibly glad, added colour to the event as they entertained the audience with cultural dance.
