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In an attempt to equip students with adequate technological skills, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has commissioned the first digital classroom in Nigeria.
The project, which was launched by the monarch, was facilitated by a technology company, FOUND Africa.
Represented by his son, Prince Olasumbo Owolabi, the monarch said Ibadan had lived up to the state’s slogan as the Pacesetter, being home to several firsts, including the first television station in Africa, the first university in Nigeria, the first skyscraper, and the first university teaching hospital, among others.
He assured that the digital classrooms would be extended to the 11 local government areas in the ancient city.
“As we are all aware, we are in the digital age, so making this project a digital classroom in Ibadan for the use of students, young men and women will make them more accessible to the use of the internet for knowledge.
“Someone once said the illiterates of tomorrow will be those who are not computer literate. So, one needs to have good knowledge of computers. This digital classroom in Ibadan is very welcomed because this project will further develop Ibadan, particularly in the digital realm,” he said.
Managing Director of FOUND Africa, Olajide Aboderin explained that the initiative themed, “Tradition Meets Technology,” was conceived for everyone, especially students and artisans, to be taught the digital aspects of technology for job creation and eradicate unemployment.
“We believe that Ibadan, Oyo State, where we are starting our mission, is known to have a distinct language, and they even call it the ancient city of Ibadan. I had the opportunity to inform the Olubadan’s Palace and explain the reason behind this initiative, and they accepted it immediately,” he said.
He said the initiative has a 50-year roadmap for inclusion with Meta platforms comprising Facebook, Google, Amazon, and with FOUND, Africa’s pioneer technology company.
According to him, the world is advancing every day with artificial intelligence which is the new technological component that makes online activities vibrant and must be taught to all, for adequate proficiency and reliability.
Aboderin explained that the goal was to establish digital classrooms and expand their reach, saying that Ibadan was chosen as the focal point due to its distinct language and smooth traditional lineage.
“We want FOUND to be a big tech company, which is why we kept our name simple. So, there is no better person to introduce and lay the first foundation of a digital transformation in Africa than the Pacesetter State of Oyo, Ibadan, and the Olubadan of Ibadan land himself.
“We aim to have the highest consideration of Google-certified experts in Oyo State, and we have already started,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Adebayo Akande, the senior special assistant on ICT & e-governance to Governor Seyi Makinde, said that digital skills were one of the biggest currencies an individual could have in the modern world.
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