Ijan-Ekiti, Ekiti State – The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is set to begin the second phase of its educational intervention at the Ekiti Smart School, located in Ijan-Ekiti, Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State. This development was disclosed during a visit by a delegation led by KOICA’s Deputy Country Director, Mr. Baik Kihyun.
The Executive Chairman of the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Femi Akinwumi, expressed joy over the continued support from the South Korean Government through KOICA. He lauded the initiative, emphasizing that the second phase of the programme would significantly enhance the capacity of the Smart School and expand its reach to rural areas across the state.
Akinwumi reiterated the commitment of the Oyebanji-led administration to advancing education through policies that bolster the basic education sector. He noted that leveraging smart technology in education would foster critical thinking and creativity among pupils.
The SUBEB Chairman also commended KOICA and the South Korean Government for their strategic investment in smart education in Ekiti State. He highlighted key areas of focus for the intervention, including capacity-building programmes for teachers, educators, and policymakers, aimed at equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to integrate technology into the classroom effectively. Additionally, he mentioned that the programme would provide modern facilities such as a Digital Smart Studio and facilitate collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to enhance teacher training in content development and digital educational resources.
In response, KOICA Deputy Country Director, Baik Kihyun, praised the Ekiti State Government for its dedication to improving education through innovative policies. He acknowledged that Ekiti State had performed remarkably well among the six pilot states selected for the project in Nigeria.
Kihyun also expressed appreciation for the state’s hospitality and reaffirmed KOICA’s commitment to enhancing smart education in Ekiti. He stated that the second phase of the intervention under SUBEB would further strengthen the Smart School’s infrastructure and improve educational outcomes in the state.
The initiative is expected to further solidify Ekiti State’s reputation as a leader in smart education and digital learning in Nigeria.