The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has sealed a partnership with EduFirst Ng to organize the maiden edition of the EduTech Conference in Nigeria, which is believed will help drive education using technology in Nigeria.
The conference with the theme ‘Education, Technology & Jobs; A Synergy that Works’, NBCC says is part of its mandateto support the socioeconomic development of Nigeria through educational development.
“We believe that the EduTech Conference will provide a platform for government, regulatory agencies and educational professionals to interact and share experiences on the revitalization of Nigeria’s education system, through the application of technology and innovation as key ingredients for educational transformation,” said Mr. Seyi Adeyemi, Chairman, Learning, Education and Training Committee at NBCC at a press conference in Lagos today.
L-R Jadesola Ogundiminegha, Project/Corporate Comms. Manager, Skool Media; Idris Oladipo, Digital Innovation & Country Manager, EduFirst Ng; Bunmi Afolabi, Director General, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce; Seyi Adeyemi, Chairman, Learning, Education & Training Committee, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Abisola Oluwadamilola, Membership Officer, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce
Seyi added that the Conference would address the future outputs (Generation Y & Z) of the Nigerian educational system and ensure that they are prepared to be fully integrated into the world of work, can compete with global standards on Nigerian soil and are relevant in future endeavours. “This would cumulatively increase the economic value of the average Nigerian and the nation’s per capita income,” he argued.
Some of the key players that would represent diverse sectors at the conference are Arc Sunny Echono, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education; Prince Abimbola Olashore – Chairman, Board of Governors; Olashore International School; Prof ‘Niran Adetoro – The Director, Academic Planning and Quality Assurance and Research, Tai-Solarin University of Education, Ijebu, Ogun State and Mrs Lande Atere – Head, First Academy; First Bank.
Others ar Dr Stephen Oluwatobi – Curator, Hebron Lab; Covenant University; Prof Chantal Epie – Dean, School of Management and Social Sciences, Pan African University; Emeka Okoye – Semantic Architect & Consultant (Cymanticks) ; Kendra Nnachi – Startup and Developers Program Manager, Facebook Nigeria and Yomi Adedeji – Co-founder, Softcom Limited.
These experts, according to Seyi will address issues such are closing the Employability Gap, Universities as Catalyst for Innovation & Development and Technology and the Future of Learning Curricular.
Also speaking while it is involved in the partnership, Mr. Idris Oladipo, Country Manager at Edufirst.ng, an ed-tech company with visibility in 24 unity schools, which provides digital experience to students, teachers and other stakeholders in Nigeria, noted that improving teaching-learning experiences in schools leveraging technology remain its priority.
He assured that Edufirst, being a major player in the Edu-Tech subsector in Nigeria will continue to develop the capacity for the emerging knowledge economy and providing cutting edge technology solutions for the global competitiveness of Nigerian children, youths and adults.
“While we appreciate the efforts of government in creating an enabling environment in Nigeria, stakeholders’ engagement and private sector participation are critical success factors to these endeavours,” Idris stated.
He also disclosed that at the conference, there would be student technology pitches geared towards social, environmental and economic change. This decision is taken because they are the direct beneficiaries of the conference.
By 2050, Nigeria’s population, which is touted to be over 200 million based on United Nations estimates with an average age of 17.9 years is projected to be well over 400 million people. This makes it one of the youngest countries in the world. Having a share of 2.6 percent of the world’s population, it is imperative that the narrative is changed from what it is now to absorb the immense growth that is upon us.