The Lagos State Government (LASG) today commended “Tech for Boys,” an initiative pioneered by the Learntor Foundation, to promote digital education access, particularly among school boys.
The event held at the Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC) in Mogodo, Lagos, was attended by students representing different government-owned schools across the six Educational Districts in the State.
Mr. Adekunmilola Adio-Moses, Director-General of Lagos State PSSDC gave the commendations during the official kick-off of the initiative.
Adio-Moses, who was represented by Mr. Olusola Kolawole, Director, Management Consultancy Services, described the “Tech for Boyz” project as a significant step towards empowering young minds with digital literacy skills in alignment with the State Government’s vision of fostering inclusive and equitable education for all residents.
According to him, “by leveraging technology, the Learntor Foundation was equipping young boys in Lagos with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital age, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of the state and bridging the digital divide among young learners in Lagos State.”
The State Government through PSSDC and the Learntor Foundation collaboration emphasises the importance of public-private partnership, which in this regard drives quality education, the Director-General explained.
Moreso, confidence in the initiative was expressed by Mrs. Mercy George-Igbafe, Consultant and initiator of the “Tech for Boys” Project, emphasising that it would address the growing digital gap and soaring youth unemployment rates in Nigeria.
She added that the Foundation has an already designed comprehensive strategy to equip the students with essential digital skills while fostering a supportive online presence.
The rapid pace of technological change and its imperative for youth to adapt to the new digital landscape deserved all the attention and support it could get, Mrs. Mercy suggested.
According to the Consultant, she stated that “by championing UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 which emphasised Quality Education for all, the initiative aimed, not only to teach technical skills but also to cultivate critical thinking, responsible online behaviour and effective communication as essential attributes for success in the digital age.
“The Tech Up Boys Project focused on providing access to digital education in public schools, recognising the importance of inclusivity and ensuring that no student would be left behind in bridging the digital gap”.
Conclusively, the initiative is said to strive to empower Young Nigerians to assert their presence in the digital sphere and seize opportunities for personal and professional growth.