In 2007, the Nigerian Government added Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to the basic education curriculum. However, power failures, insufficient computer systems and unskilled teachers have contributed to the lack of ICT knowledge among children in public primary schools.
ICT is important because it contributes to equity in education, improves the delivery of quality learning and teaching, teachers’ professional development and more efficient education management, governance and administration.
Oando Foundation plans to meet the existing gaps in the implementation of ICT and low levels of reading capacities through the establishment of ICT/Creative Centres in its adopted schools. The ICT centres provide digital resources to meet the learning needs of different age groups. The ICT centres will do the following:
- Enrich the learning experience of children by providing a wide range of learning activities through practical and creative use of computers.
- Develop the capacity of teachers in basic ICT skills for the successful implementation of the curriculum.
- Build the capacity of pupils to compete with their peers globally by exposing them to the basic use of computers and a wide variety of interactive software.
- Stimulate interest in reading by providing the pupils with age appropriate books for leisure and academic purposes.
Oando Foundation in partnership with Theirworld UK piloted a coding club for young girls in an Oando adopted school. The project is designed to empower girls with technology skills through creativity and learning, and build capacity of female ICT Educators/Mentors who will support sustainability of the project. Project curriculum was developed in partnership with Theirworld UK, Kano and Codecademy. The pilot phase is now operational at Olisa Primary School, Lagos, catering to over 300 students and teachers alike.
The foundation has established 33 ICT Centres in adopted schools across 11 States.