Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing education policies that equip students with practical skills and prepare them for real-world challenges.
He made this known over the weekend while receiving a delegation from South Korea, led by KOICA Deputy Country Director, Baik Ki-Hyyn, at his office in Ado-Ekiti.
The delegation was in the state to conduct an in-depth survey of the Smart School Project.
According to a statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Oyebanji emphasised that his government is leveraging smart technology in education to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills among students.
He noted that this approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the state’s and the country’s overall development.
Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the South Korean government for its partnership, highlighting his administration’s significant investments in education.
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He stressed that education in Ekiti is not just about literacy and numeracy but also about human capital development, making the state’s citizens globally competitive.
“We appreciate KOICA for partnering with UBEC to establish smart schools in Ekiti. Education is our main industry, and we take pride in being one of the most educated states in Nigeria. It is our responsibility to sustain this status,” Oyebanji stated.
He reiterated that education is a key pillar of his administration and that policies must go beyond basic literacy to address societal needs.
In his remarks, KOICA Deputy Country Director Baik Ki-Hyyn commended the governor for his dedication to advancing education through innovative policies.
He noted that Ekiti had distinguished itself among the six states selected for the Smart School Project, which was launched in 2021.
Baik Ki-Hyyn also expressed South Korea’s willingness to collaborate on a second phase of the intervention under the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC).
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He said the goal is to expand the capacity of existing smart schools and improve access to quality education in underserved rural areas.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including Chief of Staff Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Education Olabimpe Aderiye, SUBEB Chairman Prof. Femi Akiwunmi, and other senior officials from the State Universal Basic Education Board.
