In a significant move to enhance digital education and internet penetration in Nigeria, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has inaugurated three state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centres in rural secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State. The NCDMB’s initiative aims to empower students with digital tools and skills that will contribute to the nation’s economic development.
The schools benefiting from this initiative are Girls High School, Ikot Ibiok; Northern Annang Secondary Commercial School, Utu-Etim-Ekpo; and Government Technical College (GTC), Ikot Uko-Ika. Each school has a dedicated block equipped with modern facilities, including 31 desktop computers, purpose-built desks, solar panels, inverters, generators, printers, scanners, routers, and more.
According to Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, the board’s focus on local capacity development includes introducing students to digital tools to enhance their competitiveness in education. This policy aims to stimulate interest in science and engineering at an early age, encouraging students to pursue careers in these fields.
Engr. Wabote stated, “The Board is also deliberately promoting science, technology, and mathematics (STEM) education in secondary schools across the country to guarantee the development of indigenous manpower to secure the future of the country’s oil and gas sector.”
The newly established ICT Centres not only provide students with access to the latest knowledge and resources but also enable them to prepare for external exams. The move has been praised for bridging the digital divide between public and private schools, enhancing education standards, and fostering a culture of innovation and technology among students.
The NCDMB’s initiative aligns with its broader mission of promoting capacity building and skills acquisition in Nigeria. The introduction of these ICT Centres contributes to the development of a skilled workforce and positions Nigeria for technological advancement in the global economy.
