The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has allocated N1.7 billion in the 2024 budget to establish a prototype Smart Secondary School in the FCT.
During an event in Abuja on Thursday, organized to commend the achievements of public school students in academics and sports, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike made a disclosure.
Wike, represented by Dr. Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCTA, stated that the initiative aimed to synchronize with the prevailing global trends in digital teaching and learning.
He elaborated that the intelligent school, to be situated in Karshi under the Abuja Municipal Area Council, will be furnished with boarding and digital amenities for e-teaching and learning.
He clarified that the allocated N1.7 billion forms part of the N13.1 billion designated for the renovation, rehabilitation, and construction of new schools in the FCT in 2024.
The minister conveyed that, if successful, the project would be extended to other schools in the region to enhance the quality of teaching and learning.
Wike, expressing optimism about the project’s potential completion within the year, outlined some of the amenities to be integrated into the school, including computers and inter-service connectivity.
Furthermore, the minister mentioned that additional facilities would encompass a smart board and other digital devices designed for e-teaching and learning.
“When you are talking about digital teaching and learning, definitely you have to do away with papers, pencils, pens, and the rest of them.
“The establishment of a smart school in Karshi will mark the beginning of smart schools in the territory from where we will learn and expand,” he said.
On the students’ academic excellence, the minister described the celebration as a testament to the talent and the hard work embedded in public schools in the FCT.
According to him, the accomplishment of the students not only reflects their personal dedication but also the commitment of their teachers and the support of their families.
“As we recognise their achievements today, let us reaffirm our commitment to providing quality education that will empower our youths for a brighter future.
“The prowess displayed by our students showcases the importance of a balanced and holistic education.
“Sport instills the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, shaping individuals who are not only academically sound but also mentally and physically resilient,” he said.
He commended the students for excelling in their respective fields, saying, “your success is not only a reflection of your hard work but also a source of inspiration for others to follow.
“We celebrate not only academic and sports achievements, but also the collective dedication to fostering an environment that nurtures well-molded individuals.
“We will continue to provide an environment that nurtures talents, promotes excellence, and prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Previously, Dr. Mohammed Ladan, the Director of the Secondary School Management Board, highlighted the exceptional performance of public school students in national, regional, and international competitions. He emphasized that the Education Secretariat chose to acknowledge and celebrate these students as a means of motivating them to achieve even greater success.
Ladan also expressed appreciation for the teachers’ dedication to providing quality education to enhance learning outcomes. However, he raised a concern about many teachers being under the payroll of the Parents Teachers Association, urging the minister to consider offering them full employment.
Mrs. Funmi Jemisenia from the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovations highlighted some of the students’ achievements, noting that public junior and senior secondary schools excelled notably in quiz competitions in 2023.
Jemisenia mentioned that the schools secured the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions in various national and international quiz competitions in the past year.
Likewise, Mr. Adamu Ojah, Director of the Department of School Sport, reported that students earned various prizes and awards from diverse national and international school sports competitions.