[OP-ED] KwaraLEARN: Empowering Kwara pupils for a Bright Future, By Tobi Matthew

It is often said that “Computers are not just the present, but also the future, and without them, there is nothing.”

In even the most remote communities of Kwara state, technology has made significant inroads, providing pupils with opportunities to learn, enhance their knowledge, and prepare for the future that awaits them.

For pupils, that future is fast approaching. The transition from primary to secondary school seems to happen in the blink of an eye.

KwaraLEARN (Leading Education Achievement and Reform Now), spearheaded by the visionary government of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has already embraced this future. A future where computers become the trusted companion of every aspiring leader, a future where computer literacy skills are essential for admission to organizations and schools.

Year after year, we witnessed reports of students failing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a Computer-Based Test (CBT), due to their limited or nonexistent knowledge of computers. This unfortunate situation is not limited to a specific region in our nation. As a government committed to the present and future, KwaraLEARN ensures that every pupil in Kwara public schools receives comprehensive training on CBT aptitude and how to excel in such exams.

But KwaraLEARN is not just about the pupils. The teachers, after undergoing thorough training, are introduced to digital teaching, a concept previously unfamiliar to them. Kwara teachers now know how and when to access the necessary information to enhance their teaching skills. To facilitate this transition, KwaraLEARN provides tablets and extensive training materials to the teachers. It’s a win-win situation for both pupils and teachers. Kwara teachers, equipped with digital teaching skills, are now capable of delivering quality education in any classroom.

KwaraLEARN facilitates swift progress for pupils by fostering better engagement between pupils and teachers. Regular assessments, a cornerstone of KwaraLEARN, enable teachers to gain a clear understanding of pupils’ progress, allowing them to address weaknesses and build upon strengths. Such is the effectiveness of KwaraLEARN.

Pupils who learn through KwaraLEARN undoubtedly have an advantage over their peers from other regions. They gain proficiency in computer education, a vital skill for almost every tertiary institution in the country. They are familiar with online classes, Computer-Based Tests, research techniques, and online assessments. While KwaraLEARN may not provide pupils with all the mentioned aspects in their entirety, the foundational education and exposure to these elements set Kwaran pupils apart from their counterparts. Through KwaraLEARN, the government of Kwara state, led by Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, is ensuring a secure future for Kwara students.

Anyone, even without following the media closely, can observe the remarkable improvements in Kwara public schools compared to years ago. Prior to Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s tenure as the Governor, only a privileged few had the opportunity to operate computers, let alone learn through them.

Progress is ongoing, and the Governor’s visionary approach has brought about various initiatives such as KwaraLEARN, the construction and renovation of dilapidated classrooms, and the merit-based recruitment of teachers. Moreover, teachers now receive their salaries promptly.

In a state like Kwara, where the future of its children was neglected by previous administrations, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s emergence as Governor is a blessing in every sense. KwaraLEARN is just one of the many projects transforming the state.

Thanks to KwaraLEARN, the future of Kwara pupils is secured!