By Felix Khanoba
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is gearing up to host the 6th African Education Conference (Edutech), aiming to revolutionize the education system through technology and innovation.
At a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Macjohn Nwabiaola, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Education First Nigeria, emphasized the critical role of technology in advancing the educational needs of the nation.
Nwabiaola, a former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, highlighted the urgency of aligning with global trends and reshaping the educational narrative.
“We are in a world where things are changing, and we must ensure our children are equipped to compete globally in education,” Nwabiaola stated. “Years ago, our JAMB exams were paper-based, but we transitioned to Computer-Based Tests (CBT), which faced initial criticism but has now become the norm.”
He stressed the necessity of revisiting educational policies and involving all stakeholders, including those catering to children with special needs, to create a comprehensive approach to educational reform.
Moses Imayi, Founder of Education First Nigeria, noted that the organization, along with Skool Media, has supported over 110 educational institutions by establishing digital centers. These centers aim to integrate technology into learning, thus bridging the digital divide.
“The conference is an opportunity to mobilize stakeholders to recognize the importance of investing in education, which is integral to the country’s socio-economic development,” Imayi said. “It will serve as a platform to promote the significance of education.”
Prof. Bashir Galandaci, Coordinator of the UBEC Digital Resource Centre, remarked on UBEC’s commitment to technology in education, which underpins the rationale for hosting the conference. He noted that UBEC has launched several digital initiatives to transform basic education in Nigeria.
The African Edu-Tech Conference is an annual event dedicated to exploring the intersection of education and technology in Africa. It serves as a vital forum for experts, policymakers, educators, and innovators to collaborate and drive positive change in the educational landscape.
The conference aims to facilitate discussions on leveraging collaboration and partnerships to foster sustainable growth in educational technology across the continent.
The AUTHORITY reports that key partners for the Edutech conference include the TY Danjuma Foundation, the Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the National Communications Commission, and the National Senior Secondary Education Commission.
This groundbreaking event is scheduled to take place later this year and promises to be a pivotal moment in re-engineering Africa’s educational landscape.
