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Airtel to Digitalise 620 Primary Schools in Lagos, Kano, Others

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Airtel UNICEF 620 primary schools

By Dipo Olowookere

Six hundred and twenty schools in Lagos, Kano and other states of the federation will have access to the internet and devices aimed to aid digital learning.

This would be done in three months, with 20 schools in Lagos and Kano States enjoying this initiative this month courtesy of a partnership between Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF.

Airtel is making this possible for the 620 primary schools under the Reimagine Education Initiative, with 300,000 pupils expected to benefit from the scheme.

In an MOU signing ceremony to flag off the initiative at the weekend in Lagos, Airtel said it had completed the process of providing free access to the two digital platforms for the targeted beneficiaries, as it has committed $1.3 million worth of complimentary data for the two platforms and data provision for learners in the year alone.

It was gathered that in the first year of the five-year partnership, Airtel would provide all the resources for digital learning to the 620 identified schools, including reliable broadband connectivity, tablets, and free access to a world-class curriculum through the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP).

NLP, developed by the Federal Ministry of Education, UNICEF and Microsoft, is an e-learning platform with online and offline capabilities that enables continuous access to quality education, Airtel’s support will benefit students with uninterrupted access to quality learning materials.

The leading GSM provider is also providing free access for any Airtel subscriber to Youth Agency Market Place (YOMA), a UNICEF digital platform for skilling, upskilling and encouraging young people’s engagement.

Currently, YOMA has 115,000 users in Nigeria. This number is expected to grow with Airtel support, especially for young people living in hard-to-reach areas with no to low access to data or connectivity.

“Education, especially digital learning, forms a significant part of the company’s sustainability agenda for Nigeria, and it will stop at nothing to bridge the huge digital gap that currently exists in mostly rural primary schools across the country,” the chief executive of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Surendran Chemmenkotil, said at the unveiling of the campaign.

Speaking further, he said, “With this programme and partnership, we are providing both world-class education and digital inclusion for thousands of underprivileged children, and our goal is to connect, empower and transform as many children and young people as possible.

“Education is power, and connectivity provides the leverage to become unstoppable. At Airtel, we are confident that this investment will not just transform lives but will create a wonderful future for millions of Nigerian children and young people.”

“This is an important milestone and a step closer to reducing the digital divide in Nigeria. Quality digital learning is the fastest route to improving learning and equipping children and young people with the 21st-century skills needed to fulfil their potential and live their dreams.

“We are delighted that Airtel Nigeria shares UNICEF’s vision and will help in driving the process to scale-up access to digital learning for children and young people across these schools,” UNICEF’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, said.

The Re-imagine education project is a five-year partnership between Airtel and UNICEF to help accelerate the roll-out of digital learning by connecting schools to the internet and ensuring free access to learning platforms across 13 countries. By providing equal access to quality digital learning, particularly for the most vulnerable children, the partnership will help to ensure that every child reaches his/her full potential.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via dipo.olowookere@businesspost.ng

Education

Quidax, Tether Drive Blockchain Education in Africa

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Quidax

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A strategic partnership has been entered into between Africa’s leading crypto exchange, Quidax, and largest company in the digital asset industry, Tether, to enhance blockchain education in Africa by equipping users with knowledge about Bitcoin and stablecoins, starting in Nigeria and Ghana.

Through this collaboration, Quidax and Tether aim to empower over 15,000 people and businesses with the knowledge to leverage digital assets.

The collaboration will include financial literacy campaigns, thought leadership, interactive workshops, and community engagement efforts designed to equip users with the knowledge to navigate the digital asset ecosystem safely and effectively.

Quidax and Tether are working toward a more inclusive and empowered financial ecosystem in Africa by fostering financial literacy and expanding access to digital assets education.

USDT, a dollar-pegged stablecoin, plays a crucial role in financial inclusion by providing stability amid currency volatility and enabling seamless cross-border payments.

With Africa emerging as a key player in the global crypto economy, this collaboration aligns with the region’s growing demand for digital financial education.

“With rising interest in digital assets across Africa, stablecoins like USDT provide a reliable way for people to store value and conduct business transactions with ease.

“Collaborating with Tether allows us to bridge the knowledge gap and drive broader education of cryptocurrency in a way that benefits everyday people,” the chief executive of Quidax, Mr Buchi Okoro, said.

“At Tether, we are committed to fostering financial education and empowering communities with the tools they need to navigate the digital economy.

“Africa is at the forefront of blockchain adoption, with Ghana and Nigeria among the most prominent emerging markets. Through this collaboration with Quidax, we aim to give individuals and businesses the knowledge to leverage digital assets consciously.

“By collaborating on financial education, we are laying a foundation for a more inclusive and accessible financial ecosystem,” the chief executive of Tether, Mr Paolo Ardoino, stated.

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Education

International Scholars to Chronicle Life of Nigerian Historian Kenneth Dike

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Emmanuella Agayapong Jy’Quan Stewart

By Adedapo Adesanya

The duo of Emmanuella Agayapong, an industrial economics expert from Accra, Ghana, and Jy’Quan Stewart, an American writer and historian, are co-authoring a new biography titled The Biography of Kenneth Dike: Nigerian Pioneer in a rare cross-continental collaboration effort.

This forthcoming work aims to illuminate the life and legacy of Kenneth Onwuka Dike, a seminal figure in African historiography and Nigeria’s first indigenous Vice-Chancellor.

Kenneth Onwuka Dike (1917–1983) was instrumental in redefining African historical studies. He championed the decolonization of African history, emphasizing the importance of indigenous perspectives and oral traditions in historical research.

Dike’s tenure as the first Nigerian Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan marked a significant milestone in the nation’s academic development.

His efforts led to the establishment of the Nigerian National Archives and the Historical Society of Nigeria, institutions crucial for preserving the continent’s rich heritage.

The biography will delve into Dike’s early life in Awka, Nigeria, his academic pursuits across institutions like Fourah Bay College and the University of Aberdeen, and his pivotal role in promoting African leadership in scholarly works.

By chronicling his journey, the authors aim to shed light on Dike’s enduring impact on African historiography and higher education.

Emmanuella Agayapong brings a unique analytical perspective to the project, intertwining her expertise in industrial economics with a deep-seated passion for history and economic development. Jy’Quan Stewart, known for his dedication to uncovering unsung stories, contributes his extensive experience in historical research and advocacy.

Their partnership exemplifies an innovative approach to self-publishing, aiming to reach a global audience and inspire future generations.

This collaboration not only honors Kenneth Dike’s legacy but also sets a new precedent for international literary partnerships. By combining diverse perspectives and expertise, Agayapong and Stewart are poised to offer readers a comprehensive and insightful narrative of a man who reshaped the understanding of African history.

Emmanuella Agayapong is an industrial economics expert based in Accra, Ghana. With a passion for history and economic development, she brings a unique analytical perspective to the book.

Jy’Quan Stewart is an American writer and historian dedicated to uncovering unsung stories. His experience in historical research and advocacy makes him a vital voice in documenting Kenneth Dike’s legacy.

Together, Agayapong and Stewart are breaking new ground in self-publishing, demonstrating the power of international collaboration in historical literature.

Kenneth Dike

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Education

Hydrogen Donates to Ikosi High School Lagos

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Hydrogen Payment Services Company Ikosi High School

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A company fostering financial and technological inclusion, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited, has donated some items to Ikosi Senior High School, Ketu, Lagos.

The company partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Education District II to provide a 5KVA solar-powered inverter system to the school.

In addition, the school had its water outlet area renovated to improving both its aesthetics and hygiene in line with Hydrogen’s commitment to enhancing learning environments.

Further, it donated some textbooks to the school library, ensuring they have the academic resources needed for a well-rounded education.

Also, the firm invested in the future of the students by equipping them with essential digital skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Through expert-led, interactive sessions, students were introduced to key tech-driven career paths, including Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Software Development, Payment Technology, Product Management and Design, Sales and Business Development, Customer Experience, Digital Marketing, and Project Management.

According to Hydrogen, this comprehensive initiative reinforces its commitment to bridge the digital divide, fostering financial and technological inclusion, and preparing the next generation for the future of work, calling on all stakeholders to join in igniting potential, fostering financial and technological inclusion, and shaping the future of Africa’s digital economy.

It stated that by merging sustainability with digital education and academic support, it is ensuring students not only have access to reliable infrastructure and learning materials but also the knowledge and skills to navigate the global digital economy.

“At Hydrogen, we believe sustainability is about more than just environmental responsibility, but about investing in people, communities, and the future we are building together.

“This initiative is a comprehensive investment in young minds, ensuring they have both the resources and the skills to lead Africa’s digital transformation,” the Business Head for Payment Switching and Processing at Hydrogen, Fiyinfoluwa Olorunsola, said.

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