The Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (ZSUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has commenced a four-day training programme on basic computer hardware and software for 75 participants drawn from across the State.

The participants comprise 50 teachers and 25 Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Education Management Information System (EMIS) staff, saying that the training is being held at the Government Girls Arabic Secondary School (GGASS), Gusau.

Welcoming the participants, the Executive Chairman of ZSUBEB, Professor Nasir Garba Anka, said the training was timely, given the growing importance of technology in teaching, learning, education administration, data management and reporting.

He stressed that teachers and education administrators must acquire basic computer skills to perform their duties effectively in the digital age.

Professor Anka explained that, on the hardware aspect, participants would learn about the CPU, HDD/SSD, motherboard, ports and peripheral devices, as well as basic computer maintenance and prevention of overheating.

“On the software aspect, they would be trained on operating systems, software installation, updating, configuration and basic troubleshooting”, he added.

The Executive chairman urged the participants to be attentive, ask questions, actively participate in the practical sessions and share the knowledge acquired with their colleagues in schools and LGEAs.

He appreciated the organisers, facilitators, resource persons and other stakeholders for their efforts towards strengthening the capacity of the education workforce.

Declaring the training open, the UBEC State Coordinator, Zamfara State Office, Malam Tanimu Abdulkadir, who spoke on behalf of the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, commended ZSUBEB for the initiative.

He said basic computer knowledge was no longer a luxury but a necessity, stressing that schools need such skills to maintain accurate records, submit EMIS data and prepare modern lessons for pupils.

Abdulkadir noted that many desktop computers and laptops had been abandoned in offices and schools over the years due to minor faults, adding that the training would address the challenge through hands-on practical sessions.

He expressed confidence that participants would be able to install, maintain and troubleshoot computers independently by the end of the programme. He also assured the participants of UBEC’s continued support for ICT development in basic schools.

In his closing remarks, the Director, Data, Digital Platform and Analytics, Dalhatu Muhammad, urged the participants to be punctual, attentive and fully committed to the training, encouraged them to practise what they learn and support one another throughout the programme.

The programme was attended by heads of education agencies, Permanent Members of ZSUBEB, directors, facilitators, resource persons and members of the press.