Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming public education through a scalable digital learning reform programme aimed at improving teaching and learning quality in public primary schools.

The initiative, implemented in partnership with EIDU, is already delivering measurable results across the state.

Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, Abike Bayo-Ilawole, while speaking during a steering committee meeting in Akure, said the programme had recorded significant progress since inception.

According to her, the success is driven by the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Digital Personalised Learning (DPL), alongside structured English pedagogy designed to strengthen teachers’ instructional capacity.

She explained that the programme currently reaches about 10,000 pupils in Primary 1-3 across four pilot local councils, Akure South, Akure North, Idanre and Ifedore, adding that it has demonstrated “remarkable impact” in improving foundational literacy and numeracy.

Bayo-Ilawole said that as part of the intervention, over 400 smartphones had been deployed to support classroom learning, while teachers, head teachers and quality assurance officers have undergone intensive capacity building programmes.

The permanent secretary said that more than 2,000 copies of the “Let’s Read” literacy textbooks had been distributed to participating schools.

She, however, expressed satisfaction with the progress made, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to revitalising education through “strategic planning, effective supervision and strong stakeholder collaboration.”

Bayo-Ilawole described the initiative as “strategic and impactful,” adding that it addresses critical challenges in public schools while promoting inclusive, quality education.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the programme would reposition public education as a viable option for parents.

Ajibefun, who was represented by the Director of School Services, Mrs Olubunmi Ilori, noted that the initiative would address declining interest in public schools, increase enrolment, reduce truancy and instil discipline among learners.

Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Ologbese Kolawole, assured that the House of Assembly would provide legislative backing to ensure the programme’s sustainability.

Similarly, the State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mrs Olanike Adams, described the initiative as “a commendable and forward-thinking effort” aimed at revitalising basic education.

Speaking for EIDU, the Head of Global Government Relations and Corporate Affairs, Femi Awoyinfa, said Ondo State had demonstrated the highest level of commitment among the nine participating states.

In her presentation, the Head of Strategy and Government Relations, EIDU Kenya, Clara Ruiz, explained that the platform operates both online and offline to ensure uninterrupted access to learning, while leveraging AI to support adaptive and personalised instruction.

Stakeholders, however, reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, emphasising the importance of partnership, open communication and shared responsibility in ensuring long term success.