As part of efforts to enhance continuous learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and in fulfilment of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s Education Transformation Plan of Public-Private Partnership, First Bank Plc has made a presentation of 20,000 mobile devices to Lagos State Government for use in Public Schools across the State.
Receiving the items at an official presentation and handover ceremony held at Lagos House, Marina on Thursday, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his sincere appreciation to the Management and Board of First Bank Plc, noting that the gesture is in line with the Education and Technology vision of the present administration.
The Governor revealed that in achieving quality education and learning outcomes in schools, technology is very essential and plays a crucial role in the 21st century education, commending First Bank for its support of Lagos State Government’s vision.
While noting that everybody has a role to play in achieving the vision and mission of the government, he stressed that First Bank’s gesture will go a long way in assisting most of the underprivileged students who cannot afford a device to enhance their learning process.
Sanwo-Olu charged the Tutor General/Permanent Secretaries of the six Educational Districts and Education Quality Assurance Team to ensure that students use the mobile devices judiciously to improve learning, declaring that he expects more distinctions and improvement in their academics.
He also solicited the support of other stakeholders in providing more gadgets to aid education reforms in the State, stressing that the present administration is committed to ensuring that its ‘no child is left behind’ policy is fully implemented.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, in her welcome address disclosed that other private organisations have shown interest in joining the revitalisation process of the Education Sector, through BOS Education Transformation Plan, in support of the procurement of One million devices by the State Government.
“This is a major milestone in our journey to providing quality online education for students in Lagos State”, she said.
Presenting the 20,000 mobile devices to Lagos State Government, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First Bank Plc, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, explained that the e-Learning Devices are being used by the bank to make sure that the students continue to learn despite the current pandemic, stressing that the future of the children must not be affected.
Adeduntan commended the Governor for his resilience and passion in the battle against the pandemic in Lagos, adding that banking is not all about making profits but supporting economic growth, which is why the bank is partnering with Lagos State Government in actualizing its T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda vision.
KA/TMS/OS
