Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has donated 600 digital learning tablets to 12 public secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marking a significant step in advancing digital literacy among Nigerian students.
The donation, flagged off at Government Secondary School, Garki, Abuja, was part of MTN’s nationwide educational support aligned with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the ceremony, the chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, emphasised that the initiative goes beyond technology distribution, symbolising a national commitment to inclusive education, innovation, and equal opportunity for all Nigerian children.
“This ceremony represents more than the distribution of devices. It reflects our shared commitment to education, innovation, and opportunity for every child, no matter where they live,” Ndukwe said.
He credited the vice president, Sen. Kashim Shettima, with spearheading the initiative after a diplomatic visit to South Africa. He noted that his insistence led to the procurement of 4,600 tablets distributed across Nigeria.
“This is the vice president’s vision being realised. Although MTN has long invested in ICT education through the MTN Foundation, this particular rollout was inspired by the Vice President’s determination,” he said.
The tablets are expected to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s digital literacy agenda.
Ndukwe also urged the FCT Administration to ease restrictions on installing base stations and laying optical fibre cables, which he said are vital for ensuring connectivity in schools and across the city.
“We want Abuja to be a model city for ICT development. Without robust infrastructure like base stations and fibre optics, access to reliable internet—especially in schools—will remain a challenge,” he noted.
Representing the honourable minister of state for FCT, Town Planner Michael Bawa acknowledged MTN’s concerns.
Drawing from his professional background, Bawa said urban planning limitations dating back to the 1970s had not anticipated a digital future.
“I assure you that your observations have been clearly noted, and I will deliver your message to the appropriate authorities. We are committed to enhancing digital access,” he said.
Dr. Kolawale Olabashola, who represented the Mandate secretary for education, commended MTN’s intervention as a strong demonstration of corporate citizenship aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This donation is a testament to MTN’s commitment to bridging the digital divide. Our students must not just use tablets—they should be inspired to one day create them,” Olabashola said.
Also, Mr Leo Gaiya, representing the director/secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, praised MTN’s consistency in supporting education.
“This partnership exemplifies what can be achieved when government and the private sector work together. Earlier this year, the FCT minister distributed 850 tablets and 45 laptops to 20 schools. Today, MTN adds 600 more,” Gaiya said.
Welcoming guests to the school, the principal of Government Secondary School Garki, Mr Sadeeq Ayo Ochiji, described the donation as a game-changer.
“Our students are stepping into the digital age with the tools they need to succeed. This is a defining moment in our journey toward educational excellence,” he said.
MTN’s donation is expected to bolster the FCT Administration’s efforts to integrate technology into the curriculum and ensure that students in public schools are not left behind in the global digital race.
As the flag-off concluded, students received the tablets with visible excitement, while education stakeholders expressed optimism that this investment would spark innovation and raise academic performance across beneficiary schools.
