Ondo, EIDU partnership boosts 10,000 learners
The 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.
- Adekunle Gbadebo
The 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.
Speaking at a Steering Committee meeting in Akure, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, said the programme has recorded significant progress since inception.
According to her, the success is driven by the deployment of Artificial Intelligence 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 to Primary 3 across four pilot local government areas, Akure South, Akure North, Idanre and Ifedore, adding that it has demonstrated “remarkable impact” in improving foundational literacy and numeracy.
As part of the intervention, over 400 smartphones have been deployed to support classroom learning, while teachers, head teachers and quality assurance officers have undergone intensive capacity building programmes.
In addition, more than 2,000 copies of the “Let’s Read” literacy textbooks have been distributed to participating schools.
Princess Bayo-Ilawole 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.”
She 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.
Represented by the Director of School Services, Mrs. Olubunmi Ilori, he 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, Hon. Ologbese Kolawole, assured that the State 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 has demonstrated the highest level of commitment among the nine participating states.
“This strong commitment has significantly contributed to the success of the initiative and supports its potential expansion,” he said.
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 artificial intelligence to support adaptive and personalised instruction.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, emphasising the importance of partnership, open communication and shared responsibility in ensuring long term success.
