The First Lady Mrs Oluremi Tinubu has flagged-off the distribution of U-lesson tablets to primary and secondary schools in the nine states of the Niger Delta region.
The distribution exercise was organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
Speaking at the event, the First Lady said it is important for students in schools across the country to be equipped with digital tools for Nigeria to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
She said the digital lesson devices are revolutionising education in underserved communities.
“These devices provide access to a wealth of educational resources that will empower students to learn at their own pace and style, in addition to classroom teachings. Rather than mere gadgets of recreation, these tablets serve as powerful teaching tools that foster academic excellence, creativity, and innovation.
“By harnessing the power of digital learning resources, it will enhance students’ engagement, streamline curriculum development and accessibility, and ultimately boost student performance and achievement,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu commended the fact that the ULesson education software is meticulously tailored to align with the Nigerian educational system, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in our local context.
“One of the prominent feature of this software is its offline video library, which allows learners to play, pause, and rewind educational content without the need for an internet connection.
“Additionally, the software includes parental controls and a long battery life of up to 18 hours, making it a reliable and safe tool for both students and teachers.
“We are taking a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
“By equipping our schools with these digital tools, we are not only supplementing traditional face-to-face instruction but also empowering students to master their materials and perform better in their tests and examinations, as we believe that every student in Nigeria deserves access to quality education, and government is dedicated to providing the necessary resources to make that a reality.
“This programme is also in alignment with the Federal Government’s Digital Policy which seeks to create an innovative digital learning ecosystem, foster local skills development and sustainable systems deployment. This is indeed, catching them young. Nigeria cannot afford to be left out of the global village.
“In addition to the distribution of these tablets, the NDDC has also employed the services of a consultant to train teachers in the use of U-Lesson tablets for effectiveness across the nine mandate states and Nigeria in general.
“To the students, I hope that these tablets will inspire you to dream big, work hard, and achieve your goals. Remember, education is the key to unlocking your potential and shaping your future,” she said.
Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying the “partnership represents a shared vision of prosperity and self-reliance for every child, youth, and woman in our communities.”
He said the initiative targets critical areas of sustainable development, including education, health, youth empowerment, women’s empowerment and agriculture.