Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing digital education by integrating e-learning infrastructure across all public schools in the state.
The governor made this known during the commissioning of a Digital Smart School at Government College, Ado Ekiti.
The facility was donated by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Equipment Hub Group, Gbolahan Olayomi.
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Oyebanji noted that the Smart School, equipped with modern ICT tools and interactive learning platforms, aligns with the state government’s education reform agenda to upgrade public schools and improve learning outcomes.
He assured that similar facilities would soon be extended to other schools across the state.
Commending Olayomi for the generous donation, Oyebanji said the e-learning centre would enhance teaching delivery and facilitate a more engaging and effective learning environment.
The governor disclosed that the choice of Government College for the facility was based on its record of academic excellence.
“When the request came, I asked the Ministry of Education which school had been performing well. If a donor is making such a significant investment, it must be value-driven,” he said.
“Their initial decision was to take it to my community, but I insisted on objectivity over sentiment. I am glad I stood by that.”
He further revealed plans to train and retrain teachers to align with global digital trends and effectively utilise computer-based and interactive technology tools.
Oyebanji also announced the forthcoming recruitment of 1,800 teaching and non-teaching staff to support the introduction of digital smart schools.
He stressed that the process would be strictly merit-based.
“I have approved the recruitment of 1,800 teachers and support staff. Let me state clearly that it will be based on merit. If anyone approaches you claiming to represent me, it’s false. I won’t send anyone,” he said.
The governor urged teachers and students to take full advantage of the government’s capacity-building initiatives and reiterated his administration’s dedication to free and compulsory education from primary to secondary school level.
However, the Head of Service, Folakemi Olomojobi, lauded Oyebanji for his transformative leadership across all sectors.
She described the Smart School as comparable to educational facilities in developed countries and encouraged parents to enrol their children to benefit from its world-class resources.
The donor, Gbolahan Olayomi, described the project as a significant contribution to the state’s educational transformation.
He said the facility supports Oyebanji’s vision of preparing Ekiti students for a technologically driven future.
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Olayomi explained that the Smart School replaces traditional teaching tools with advanced digital screens equipped with cameras, allowing lessons to be recorded and revisited, and enabling remote learning.
The facility includes 16 solar-powered smart classrooms, 16 Wowbii interactive touchscreens, internet access in all rooms, and CCTV for effective monitoring.
