The initiative, managed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Advisor, underscores the commitment of the Nigerian government to advancing education and digital literacy among its youth. The Vice President of Nigeria has confirmed that his office will work closely with the MTN team to establish beneficiary criteria and ensure a seamless distribution process.

Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Ernest Ndukwe, and Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima (middle) with their team at the State House, Abuja, Nigeria

The uLesson app, developed by uLesson Education Limited, offers a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the Nigerian educational system. It includes video lessons, quizzes, and interactive exercises in subjects such as STEM, business, and arts and humanities. The pre-loaded content on the tablets is designed to align with the national curriculum, ensuring that students can effectively supplement their classroom learning.

Speaking on this collaboration, AyoOluwa Nihinlola, CEO of uLesson Education (K12), expressed the company’s dedication to bridging the educational divide in Nigeria. “At uLesson, we believe that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status. This collaboration with the Federal Government and MTN is a significant step towards realising that vision. By providing students with these digital tools, we are empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.”

CEO of uLesson Education (K12), AyoOluwa Nihinlola, at the uLesson Classboard launch, Jabi, Abuja

Ernest Ndukwe, MTN Nigeria Chairman, expressed hope that the devices donated by the company will support the Federal Government’s objective to increase digital literacy in secondary schools and improve creativity, analytical thinking, adaptability, and students’ access to current information in science and technology.

MTN Nigeria’s commitment to this initiative is further demonstrated by the one billion naira donation announced by the chairman, Ernest Ndukwe. The funds are aimed at supporting the most vulnerable, marginalised, and underserved communities across Nigeria, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.

The collaboration between uLesson, MTN, and the Nigerian government is more than just a distribution of devices—it is a concerted effort to transform the educational landscape in Nigeria. By leveraging uLesson’s innovative learning platform, students will have access to high-quality educational content tailored to the Nigerian curriculum, helping to improve learning outcomes and prepare them for future success.

As the devices are rolled out across the nation, uLesson remains committed to working closely with the government and MTN to monitor the impact of this initiative, ensuring that the devices are not only distributed effectively but are also used to their fullest potential.

About uLesson

Since 2019, uLesson Education has been on the mission to prepare people for opportunity and improve society through education. With 5 million+ app downloads, 7 million+ questions attempted, and 14 million+ lessons watched, the uLesson app for learners caters to students between grades 1 and 12 with high-quality, animation-rich video lessons that are curriculum-relevant and delivered by expert tutors. uLesson has helped over 2.5 million learners love learning, improve grades, and pass exams in one sitting. uLesson is also committed to helping teachers love teaching the efficient way.

For further details about this initiative, uLesson’s offerings, or partnerships to meet educational needs in society, please visit www.ulesson.com or contact +234 700 022 2333.

Similarly, the Minister announced plans to spearhead a global collaboration aimed at enhancing the protection of undersea cables.

The minister passed the message on social media platform, X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

This comment came against the backdrop of undersea cable cut that affected Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Senegal, among others.

Recognising the critical role these cables play in the digital economy, Tijani emphasised the need to review international laws and foster partnerships with regional and global bodies to accelerate efforts to safeguard this vital infrastructure.

Assuring those affected by the disruptions, Tijani stated that the Nigerian Communications Commission was actively working with all relevant stakeholders to swiftly resolve the issues at hand.

According to him, the initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring the resilience and reliability of undersea cables, crucial lifelines in today’s interconnected world.

Tijani said,

“I must commend the selflessness shown by the leadership of @GloWorld @WIOCC_ @MTNNG @Mainoneservice and the entire sector in coming together to limit the impact of the cuts. Your actions are helping us all to better prepare for the future.

“This is also an opportunity for us to review international laws and collaborations to adequately protect undersea cables, and I will be engaging regional and global bodies to accelerate efforts on this crucial agenda.

“To those experiencing disruption, please rest assured that @NgComCommission is working with all key stakeholders to resolve the matter in the shortest possible time.”

Last Thursday, cuts to the undersea cable supplying broadband Internet connectivity to Nigeria and countries in the West African sub-region forced many banks and other financial institutions, as well as telecom companies and allied firms, to scale down their operations.

Cable companies—West African Cable System and African Coast to Europe in the West Coast route from Europe—have experienced faults, while SAT3 and MainOne have downtime.

As you are recounting the memories may we inform you that MTN, the mobile network operator in Nigeria with the largest subscriber base, has commenced discussions with the Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria to take over the Enugu-Onitsha expressway rehabilitation.

Karl Toriola MTN Nigeria CEO, disclosed this in the company’s unaudited results for the half-year ended 30 June 2021.

“We intend to participate in the restoration and refurbishment of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway”, Karl Toriola MTN Nigeria CEO, said this is part of efforts by the company to support the government and in commemoration of 20th anniversary of MTN’s presence in Nigeria.

According to this Nairametrics report, the Minister for Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a memo for the revision of the contract for a section of the 100km Enugu-Onitsha highway.

The 100km road project estimated at N46.069 billion will be fully funded by MTN Nigeria under Government’s Road Infrastructure Tax Credit (RITC) Scheme under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).

MTN’s intervention would come as welcome relief to motorists plying that route, as the reconstruction and rehabilitation project which had commenced in 2009 has been marred by several setbacks and delays.

Speaking on MTN’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy, the CEO said, “As we celebrate this milestone, we are pleased to announce that our Board of Directors has approved our participation in the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit (RITC) Scheme.

“This is in response to Government’s drive towards public-private partnerships in the rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure in Nigeria.

“We intend to participate in the restoration and refurbishment of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. Conversations in this regard have already commenced, and further announcements will be made in due course,” he said.

Toriola said that in line with MTN Nigeria’s desire to plant deeper and more permanent roots in Nigeria, they have also initiated plans to commission a purpose-built, state of the art MTN Head Office, designed to act as a central hub for the network, a catalyst for creativity and innovation, and a showcase for the flexible working structures that are driving efficiency gains in this new normal working environment.

“Aligned with our wider commitment to environmental sustainability, it will meet the highest global environmental standards, demonstrating the role of green technology in our future”, he said.