The honourable commissioner stated this while receiving executives of Teesas Education in Akure, the state capital.

Mr Akindolire said Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa’s administration is in a hurry to turn around the education sector and ensure that students across the state get nothing less than the best in terms of quality and qualitative education.

Teesas Education’s proposal is a robust self-funded educational solution that will unlock significant donor funding to transform the academic trajectory of Ondo State public secondary schools.

Mr Osayi Izedonmwen, founder and chairman of Teesas Education, said that his organisation will deploy a fully integrated Education Management System (EMS), curriculum-aligned digital content (videos, eBooks and textbooks) and provide tablets for teachers and students to drive the transformation of public schools in the state.

“The EMS is an integrated system designed to enable consistent lesson delivery, increased interactivity in classrooms, and accountability among teachers and students leading to improved learning outcomes.

“All lesson plans will be standardised and delivered to teachers via the EMS and tablets. Teachers will clock in, check class timetables, take students’ attendance, and access scripted lessons on the EMS. On the other hand, students will receive lesson notes on their tablets and continue their learning journey on the Teesas Education App through access to curriculum-aligned videos and e-books, even outside the school premises.

“Anyone with access to the EMS can instantly see when a teacher arrives at school and the number of students present and absent in each class. At the end of an academic year, if a student performs poorly, the school can tell why based on their attendance and performance in quizzes and assessments,” he said.

Teesas Education is committed to transforming education by empowering learners, educators and institutions with cutting-edge digital solutions that allow access to educational content via mobile and web platforms without internet access.

Teesas Education has evolved to become the only EdTech firm in Africa that can implement education transformation intervention projects at scale as evidenced by its current intervention across sub-nationals in Nigeria and beyond in conjunction with leading Development Finance Institutions.

While social media platforms typically set age restrictions, they may not always align with a child’s readiness to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.

Ethan Bennet from Sonin, a UK app development company, shares some helpful information parents should consider when questioning whether to allow their children to use social media.

How Do You Decide When To Allow Your Child Onto Social Media?

What is my child’s maturity level?

Assessing your child’s maturity level is crucial. Some children may demonstrate greater emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills, making them better equipped to handle the challenges of online interactions.

Does my child understand the risks of using the internet?

Understanding online risks is another essential consideration. Your child should grasp concepts like privacy settings, cyberbullying, and digital footprint management before engaging in social media activities.

How will I supervise my child’s activity online?

Supervision as a parent plays a pivotal role in guiding your children’s online experiences. Monitoring their interactions and setting boundaries can mitigate potential risks.

Ethan says, ‘However, fostering open communication between you and your child is equally important. Discussing internet safety and responsible digital citizenship empowers children to make informed decisions and seek help when needed.’

Does it matter how other parents and children are navigating their technology?

When deciding when to allow your child to use social media, as a parent, you may face pressure from others with different perspectives or timelines. However, it’s essential to prioritize what’s best for your own child based on their unique needs and readiness.

Ethan advises, ‘Resisting peer pressure allows you to stay true to your values and make informed decisions that align with your family’s circumstances.

Ultimately, every child develops at their own pace, and you as a parent should trust your instincts and judgment rather than succumbing to external pressures.’

Advice And Resources

Numerous resources are available to assist you in making the decision as to when your child is ready for social media apps.

The website Common Sense Media offers reviews and recommendations tailored to children’s ages, helping parents choose age-appropriate apps and set guidelines for online usage.

Ethan’s other tips to consider when navigating the issue of your child and social media are:

• Keep all devices in a shared space or living room. If they use social media, you can easily keep an eye on their activity.
• Utilize parental controls on apps and web browsers to limit and restrict your child’s access to inappropriate content.
• Have open conversations with your children about their online safety. Creating an open dialogue and establishing trust will help your child understand that the goal is to protect them, not invade their privacy.

Ethan concludes,

“Children’s ability to handle using social media apps is all about readiness, understanding, and ongoing communication between the child and their parent. As a parent, empowering your child with knowledge and guidance ensures they maneuver the digital world safely and responsibly”.

[Featured Image Credit]

Build-A-Thon, in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, aims to introduce senior secondary school students to the maker culture, enhancing tech innovation.

Earlier, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, spoke on the Build-A-Thon program, stating its goal to provide students with a unique learning experience over four days in January 2024. The initiative, focusing on critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving, is part of a strategic plan to promote early-technology adoption and shape future innovation leaders.

The Build-A-Thon initiative is set to recognize exceptional teams in categories such as the most innovative design, the most sustainable project, and an award for the project with the most utility. The goals include showcasing innovative projects, recognizing achievements, fostering future collaboration, inspiring future leaders, and promoting lifelong learning.

Eligibility 

The Ministry is seeking educators, teachers, and enthusiasts based in Maiduguri, Owerri, and Abeokuta. Interested candidates must align with the vision of guiding the next generation of tech innovators in secondary schools.

Bosun Tijani highlighted the strategic importance of the Build-A-Thon initiative, emphasizing the need to create a knowledge pipeline for young minds. The collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation reiterates Nigeria’s commitment to rapidly growing the digital economy through the development of technical knowledge and talent.

“Our journey towards positioning Nigeria as the go-to-market for technical knowledge cannot be achieved without creating a knowledge pipeline that is represented by these young, impressionable minds,” he said.

Program Details and Learning Ecosystem

The Build-A-Thon program, scheduled for January 2024, will span four days and include 1,500 students from 150 schools in Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta. The learning experience will focus on critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving as students build innovative projects. The learning ecosystem of Build-A-Thon encompasses technology labs, DIY boxes, and workshops that enhance students’ skills in demand, covering areas like 3D printing, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.

How to Apply

Interested individuals who meet the criteria can apply for teaching positions in the Build-A-Thon initiative which represents a unique step toward stimulating innovation, technology adoption, and skill development among Nigerian students.

This aligns with the vision of positioning the nation as a hub for technical knowledge and expertise.