The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has unveiled the first digital classroom in Nigeria in a quest to equip students with adequate technological skills.
The project, which was launched by the monarch, was facilitated by a technology company, Found Africa.
Represented by his son, Prince Olasumbo Owolabi, the monarch said Ibadan had lived up to its slogan as the Pacesetter, being home to several firsts, including the first television station in Africa, the first university in Nigeria, the first skyscraper and the first university teaching hospital, among others.
He assured that the digital classrooms would be extended to the 11 local government areas in the ancient city.
“As we are all aware, we are in the digital age, so making this project a digital classroom in Ibadan for the use of students, young men and women will make them more accessible to the use of the internet for knowledge.
“Someone once said the illiterates of tomorrow will be those who are not computer-literate. So, one needs to have a good knowledge of computers. This digital classroom in Ibadan is very welcomed because this project will further develop Ibadan, particularly in the digital realm,” he said.
In his address, the managing director of FOUND Africa, Olajide Aboderin explained that the initiative is themed, “Tradition Meets Technology,” stressing that everyone, especially students and artisans, must be taught the digital aspects of technology to create jobs and eradicate unemployment.
“We believe that Ibadan, Oyo State, where we are starting our mission, is known to have a distinct language, and they even call it the ancient city of Ibadan. I had the opportunity to inform the Olubadan’s Palace and explain the reason behind this initiative, and they accepted it immediately.
“We asked ourselves, is there a better voice to help change the narrative of Ibadan and Oyo State than to have the Olubadan himself coming to unveil this project, which has a 50-year roadmap for inclusion among Meta, which is Facebook, Google, Amazon, and FOUND, also being Africa’s pioneer technology company”, he said.
According to him, the world is advancing every day and artificial intelligence is the new technological component that makes online activities vibrant and must be taught to all for adequate proficiency and reliability.
Aboderin explained that the goal was to establish digital classrooms and expand their reach, saying that Ibadan was chosen as the focal point because the city is known for its distinct language and smooth traditional lineage, which has never caused disagreement, hence the theme and the paramount ruler’s attendance.
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