Ecobank, Opolo Global empower Lagos schools with AI

Ecobank Nigeria has partnered with Opolo Global to deliver training and empowerment to schools in Lagos as part of its annual Ecobank Day activities.

This is contained in a statement by the bank on Sunday in Lagos.

The statement said the flagship social initiative, spearheaded by the Ecobank Foundation, encouraged employees to give back to their communities.

It said that the 2024 event had the theme, “Ignite Learning with AI”.

It noted the programme focused on foundational learning and harnessing Artificial Intelligence to improve children’s literacy, numeracy, and digital skills at Zion Star School in Lagos.

“Equipping Nigerian children with essential literacy, numeracy, and digital skills at an early age is crucial for their future.

“It enables them to excel academically, prepares them for a rapidly changing digital landscape, and broadens their opportunities in life and employment.

“Ecobank Day activities involved our employees volunteering in various communities across Nigeria, offering literacy lessons, mentoring, and collaborating with schools to enhance digital resources.

“We extend our gratitude to our partner, Opolo Global, for helping make this day impactful for Nigerian children,” it said.

Also, Mr Oluwafemi Ajayi, Head of Product Development and Lagos Operations, Opolo Global, commended the bank for its initiative in educating students about AI and robotics.

Ajayi highlighted that the training would equip children to navigate the digital age and to ensure the transformative potential of AI in education, business efficiency and decision-making.

“We will expand this initiative to several schools across the state, especially those located far from the city center and serving a higher number of underprivileged students,” he noted.

The training and mentoring initiatives aligns with the second year of Ecobank’s three-year campaign, ‘Transforming Africa Through Education’.

The programme supported the African Union’s declaration of 2024 as the Year of Education, which had the theme ‘Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century’.

The theme emphasised the need to integrate technology into foundational education.