Nigeria’s leading financial inclusion services provider, FirstBank, has put its financial might in partnership with the Lagos State Government to equip and empower primary, secondary and tertiary schools with e-learning solutions and devices to minimize the disruption to education resulting from schools’ closure due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

The low-end devices preloaded with Government accredited curriculum are designed to work offline therefore efficient and fit for purpose for all students especially indigent students given the data consumption of most e-learning solutions has been a major stumbling block for majority of students and teachers alike. There is also the online option via subscription for those who have devices already and can simply sign on.

In searching for the best fit solution several options were considered by educators and teachers from the State and FirstBank over the last couple of weeks before adjudging Roducate the offering from Robert & John an innovative technology firm to be the best of all reviewed. A lot of work has clearly gone into ensuring students will not be disadvantaged during these difficult times as the curriculum is complete and the presentations extremely engaging with extra options such as lessons in audio if using the online format.

Speaking on the partnership, the CEO of FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan said: ‘’education remains the bedrock of any society and we believe that when we educate our children we enable our nation and produce global citizens who provide ground breaking solutions for the continent and the world at large. FirstBank will be providing a size-able number of devices in this drive to move one million students to e-learning. This partnership is an avenue to support our children to remain resourceful and fully engaged at this time so they can compete favorably with their peers internationally. It’s a responsible approach to empower them given that they are our future and the foundation to build our country to greatness. By partnering on this we are solving a problem for families and for our future.’

According to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwu Olu: ‘we have to ensure that we engage our students while they stay at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We plan to use multiple media including radio, TV and the internet to reach students. In addition, we have worked on a technology device loaded with the Nigerian curriculum that the students can use while at home. They will be able to continue learning, test themselves and send tests to their teachers who will also be equipped with the device’.
The Governor and MD FirstBank jointly call on well meaning organisations to partner on this initiative and keep the children engaged and safe during this period.

Kayode Abayomi
Head, Public Affairs Unit
Ministry of Education
25/03/2020