SIFAX boss tasks stakeholders on ICT infrastructure in schools

Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, has tasked stakeholders in education to upgrade information communication technology (ICT) infrastructure in schools across the country.

Afolabi said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos signed by Mr Muyiwa Akande, Corporate Affairs Manager, SIFAX Group.

According to him, the upgrade was in view of the COVID-19 pandemic that slowed down teaching and learning in the country’s educational institutions.

Afolabi made this call while delivering the keynote address at the just 5th Annual International Conference of the Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife with the theme “COVID-19 and the Emerging Issues in Education.”

Represented by Mr Bode Ojeniyi, Group Executive Director, he said the upgrade would provide unhindered access to quality education to all students, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

“The COVID-19 has exposed the inadequacies in our educational sector, as teaching and learning were affected during the lockdown and post-COVID 19.

“There is need for a ‘state of emergency’ to be declared in the education sector in Nigeria, particularly in the public institutions, towards the upgrade of the entire educational infrastructure,” said Afolabi.

He said emphasis should be placed on ICT equipment and skills re-tooling in schools that would support virtual teaching and learning.

He added that the government must also consider creating special funds for infrastructure upgrade.

“The special funds will also be dedicated towards personnel training/teaching faculties’ skills upgrade,” he said.

Afolabi urged all stakeholders in the sector to lend a hand in the transition of the educational sector to a 21st century compliant sector, driven largely by technology.

Earlier, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, commended Afolabi and the SIFAX Group for its numerous support and interventions in the education sector.

He added that its financial support for the Faculty of Education and other faculties in the school was well appreciated.

Prof. Bola Omotesho, Dean, Faculty of Education, lauded Dr Taiwo Afolabi for his support towards the international conference and further solicited more assistance to reposition the faculty for improved teaching and research.