Group canvasses digital technology in schools

The Junior Chamber International (JCI), Ikeja, has called for private and public sector collaboration to equip students in public schools with digital technology, as part of efforts to align with 21st century learning.

General Secretary of the branch, Kayode Ojoyo, made the call at the inter-school Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Quiz and Debate for Lagos State secondary schools.

Ojoyo emphasised the vital role technology plays in today’s world, saying regardless of one’s choice of profession, technology is essential.

Describing the theme of the event: ‘Empowering the next generation: Harnessing technology to drive sustainable development in Lagos State,’ as apt, Ojoyo said it is centred around the importance of sustainable development, technology, and youth empowerment, which are all critical areas of focus for JCI.

“Part of our objectives is to provide a platform for secondary school students to engage in critical thinking, research, and public speaking, while also raising awareness on the importance of sustainable development and technology in Lagos State. We believe this will encourage young people to think creatively about solutions to real-world problems,” Ojoyo stated.

A past president of the chapter and initiator of the project, Titilayo Akeutan, noted that debating is not just about speaking in front of people; but it’s also about learning and critical thinking.

Legislative Leader of Ojodu local Council, Opeyemi Apatira stressed the need for an enabling environment for students to harness the power of technology.

According to him, the state should have a technology hub where students, both in primary and secondary schools, can learn about Internet of Things (IoT) and other topics.

Some of the participating schools at the event included Julliard Academy, New Era Girls High School Surulere, Mate Comprehensive High School, Babs Fafunwa Millennium Grammar School, Agidingbi Grammar School, Omole Senior Grammar School, Oke-Ira Senior High School, Zumratul Islamiyyah High School and Grimes International College.

At the end, Julliard Academy clinched the first place, while New Era Girls High School, Surulere, and Mate Comprehensive high school emerged first and second runners up respectively.

Winners were rewarded with N200,000 N150,000 and N100, 000 respectively.