From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, has commended MTN Nigeria for its generous donation of 600 learning tablets to 12 government secondary schools across the FCT. The donation, handed over at an official ceremony on Friday, is meant boost to the digital learning environment in public schools.
Speaking at the event, Mahmoud reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to fostering an enabling atmosphere for teaching and learning. She described education as “one of the most powerful instruments for shaping the future of any society” and praised MTN’s initiative as a “timely and impactful investment in the future of Nigerian students.”
According to a statement by her media aide, Austine Elemue, the minister, represented by her Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Michael Bawa, emphasised the critical timing of the donation, noting that it supports the FCT Administration’s intensified efforts to equip students with essential digital tools in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“This donation is more than just the distribution of technology,” Mahmoud said. “It is a direct investment in the potential of our children, digital inclusion, and national development. We sincerely appreciate MTN Nigeria’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and their continued partnership with the government.”
She further highlighted the alignment of MTN’s support with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes access to quality education and digital empowerment nationwide. Mahmoud urged students to “maximize the use of these devices as tools for discovery, creativity, and learning beyond the classroom,” while encouraging teachers and school administrators to integrate digital resources into their teaching practices to enhance educational outcomes.
Chairman of the MTN Board, Ernest Ndukwe, reiterated the company’s dedication to advancing digital education across Nigeria. “MTN believes that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life,” he said. “This distribution of learning tablets reflects our shared commitment to education, innovation, and opportunity for every child, no matter where they live.”
He revealed that MTN Nigeria has procured a total of 4,600 digital learning tablets, which are being distributed to public secondary schools nationwide in line with the national vision for digital inclusion.
Also Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Danlami Hayyo, represented by Kolawole Olabashola, Director of the Department of Science and Technology, lauded MTN’s efforts to bridge the digital divide. “This initiative will undoubtedly propel our schools to compete favourably with their global counterparts,” he said.
The 12 beneficiary schools include Government Day Secondary School Dutse-Alhaji, Government Secondary School Mpape, Government Girls Secondary School Dukpa, Government Secondary School Gwagwalada, Government Science Secondary School Tunga-maje, Government Secondary School Pegi (Abuja @30), Government Secondary School Kwali, Government Secondary School Airport, Government Secondary School Garki, Government Secondary School Gosa, Government Secondary School Gwarinpa, and Government Day Secondary School Wuse 11.