The Anambra State government has unveiled an initiative called Smart Learn Anambra to digitise learning in the state.
The move according to the Anambra State’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh is a clear demonstration of the state’s efforts to promote a knowledge based economy driven by technology.
Speaking at a strategic meeting with president generals across different Anambra communities, Chuma-Udeh said the strategic assembly aimed to bolster community involvement in the ongoing Smart Learn Anambra Initiative, a flagship program under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
According to her, the gathering brought together community leaders from across the state to deliberate on the sustainability of the Smart Learn Anambra project.
Community leaders provided comprehensive updates on the construction status of Smart Schools within their jurisdictions, highlighting achievements and identifying areas requiring attention.
Discussions also encompassed concerns about existing educational infrastructure, underscoring the need for enhancements to support modern learning environments.
A significant portion of the dialogue focused on collaborative security measures essential for safeguarding incoming equipment. Participants recognized that the protection of these assets is crucial for the successful implementation and sustainability of the Smart Learn Anambra Initiative.
Explaining the benefit of the scheme, Chuma-Udeh, said the initiative is aimed at integrating advanced technology into classrooms across the state, saying that the initiative represents a fundamental shift in how education is delivered in Anambra State.
“We are reimagining our schools as centers of technological innovation and excellence.”
The comprehensive initiative encompasses several transformative components which includes infrastructure enhancement, installation of solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, modern Android TV screens and tablets, reliable internet connectivity, and e-learning tools in classrooms.
On her part, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake, said
the state’s commitment to educational innovation took a significant step forward with a “Train the Trainer” program held designed to establish a sustainable framework for knowledge dissemination, saying that by equipping educators with the necessary skills and tools, they are empowered to train their peers, thereby amplifying the reach and impact of digital literacy initiatives across Anambra’s schools.
Mrs. Nnake addressed the assembled teachers ambassadors, emphasising the importance of embracing smart learning methodologies within community schools.
She articulated the administration’s goal of providing students in public institutions with educational opportunities on par with their counterparts in private schools.
Edves CEO and Co-founder, Dimeji Falana, provided comprehensive training on accessing the smart schools portal, setting up teaching accounts, and effectively utilising these digital resources in classroom settings.
“To ensure continuity and reinforce learning, follow-up training sessions are scheduled to be conducted online over the next three weeks,” Falana said.
The Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission, Prof Nkechi Ikediugwu while speaking also encouraged the teachers to embrace this opportunity with an open mind, emphasising the transformative potential of technology integration in their teaching practices.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata – CFA, Managing Director of the Anambra State ICT Agency, expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his unwavering dedication to educational advancement.
Agbata highlighted that the governor’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in bringing the smart school initiative to fruition.
The schools that participated in this event included Girls Secondary School Igboukwu, Urban Girls Secondary School Fegge Onitsha, Igwebuike Grammar School Awka, Community High School Nanka, Community Secondary School Isuofia, Government Technical College Ihiala, Unity Comprehensive Secondary School Okpoko, Community Secondary School Amikwe Omor, Community Secondary School Amansea, Community High School Nawfija, Union Secondary School Obosi, Girls Secondary School Ojoto, Nnewi High School, Cave City Secondary School Ogbunike, Ado Girls School Onitsha, Ide Secondary School Enugwu-ukwu, Flora Azikiwe Model Secondary School Neni, Justice Chinwuba Memorial School Aguleri, Community Secondary School Oraifite, Union Secondary School Amichi, Uga Boys Secondary School Uga and Community Secondary School Umunachi.