By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has pledged to deepen digital access in public schools, following the donation of 600 learning tablets to 12 government-owned secondary schools in Abuja by telecoms giant MTN.
According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue, the intervention will help modernize learning and equip students with the tools to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Thursday, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the donation as a timely investment in Nigeria’s future and a boost to the administration’s push for technology-driven learning.
Mahmoud, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Tpl. Michael Bawa, said the donation came at a critical moment when the FCT Administration is intensifying efforts to strengthen the educational system and equip students with essential digital tools to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The minister commended MTN Nigeria for its consistent commitment to corporate social responsibility and for investing directly in the digital future of Nigerian children.
She added that the provision of learning tablets is more than technology distribution, noting that it is a direct investment in the potential of children, digital inclusion, and national development.
The minister noted that the gesture aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes access to quality education and digital empowerment across the country.
Mahmoud urged students to maximize the use of the devices as tools for discovery and creativity, while also encouraging teachers and school administrators to integrate digital tools into their teaching practices to improve learning outcomes.
Also speaking at the event, MTN Board Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, said the donation forms part of a wider initiative to support digital education in public schools nationwide.
He emphasized that the distribution of devices reflects the company’s shared commitment to education, innovation, and opportunity for every child, no matter where they live.
According to him, “MTN’s believes that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.”
He added that in alignment with the national vision, MTN Nigeria has procured 4,600 digital learning tablets, which are being distributed to public secondary schools across the country.
On his part, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, who was represented by Director of Science and Technology, Dr. Kolawole Olabashola, commended MTN for its effort in bridging the digital divide.
“This initiative will undoubtedly propel our schools to compete favourably with their global counterparts,” he said.
The 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, and Government Secondary School Pegi (Abuja @30).
Others are 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 II.
