News
Kano set to launch platform to encourage distance learning in schools
Nasiru Yusuf
The Kano State government is set to launched the Nigeria Learning Passport as part of its efforts to fast rack learning among pupils and students of primary and junior secondary schools across the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) is an electronic distance learning platform/app fortified with audio-visual materials and books to aid self-based learning.
Speaking to journalists in preparation of the official launching of the educational platform, the State Team leader, Nasiru Abdullahi Kwalli, said it would help increase students’ access to learning materials.
Nasiru Abdullahi Kwalli addressing journalists
Kwalli said the platform could be accessed offline and online.
He said tablets would be provided to schools for the implementation of the programme. He said the programme would use the local languages of the pupils for effective communication.
He said it would also help teachers to devise more effective teaching approaches.
“The platform makes learning possible even outside the confines of a school which will help address the spiralling number of out-of-school children, especially in states where insecurity hinders access to schools. Importantly, Learning Passport provides an opportunity for teachers to access quality teachers’ guides and resources and digitalised capacity-building modules meant for teachers while supporting them to deliver lessons in class,” he said.
Mr Kwalli said, “children, youths, students and teachers can access digitalised curriculum providing instructional and supplementary learning materials in all core curriculum subjects for primary 1 – 6, JSS 1 – JSS 3 and SS 1 – SS3. The contents are offered in the English and Nigerian Languages including Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.”
He said pupils and other users can access over 10,000 available resources based on their preferences.
He disclosed that the module has a self assessment that will enable pupils assess their performance at the end of each lesson.
The State Team leader stated that already Kano state government has provided no fewer than 800 laptop for a start in about 20 schools, adding that there are ongoing training of teachers to spread the knowledge across the state to bridge the Digital Divide.
Mr Kwalli said that Kano state Government has assured its readiness to provide the infrastructure to balance the facility gap, adding that the device is flexible and compliant in both urban and remote areas.
Former Kano State Governor and Senator, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has voiced his disappointment and concern regarding the Federal Government’s approach to distributing rice palliatives in Kano State.
During a recent week-long visit to Kano, Senator Kwankwaso observed that while governors in 35 other states received the palliatives directly, Kano’s allocation was controversially handed over to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), sidestepping the state government entirely.
Senator Kwankwaso condemned this move as a blatant violation of constitutional principles, accusing the government of taking partisanship to an unacceptable level.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the distribution process and address the issue.
In addition, Senator Kwankwaso expressed concern over the frequent reshuffling of State Directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano, noting that three different directors had been posted and reposted within just two weeks, potentially jeopardizing the state’s security.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Determined to support government effort in bolstering youth empowerment and fast-tracking economic development in Nigeria, the Dangote Cement Plc is set to deliver a multi-million naira Skills Development Centre in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Skills Centre was conceived by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and the government of Kogi State.
A statement from the Company’s Corporate Communications Department quoted Engr. Azad Nawabuddin, Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, as affirming that the company is poised to deliver the project within the coming months.
He stated that the Skill Centre is part of a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives undertaken by the cement company.
The Plant Director indicated that numerous CSR programs are scheduled for implementation.
Engr. Nawabuddin stated that the Skill Centre will contribute to Nigeria’s industrialization efforts by facilitating the transfer of essential skills needed for the country’s industrial advancement.
He noted that the state-of-the-art facility will significantly generate skills and, in turn, create job opportunities for Nigerian youths, who will be the primary beneficiaries.
“Dangote Cement Plc is a socially responsible company, committed to implementing various developmental programs for our host communities. We have an active Community Development Agreement (CDA) in place, ensuring that we coexist in harmony,” he said.
He said development projects delivered to communities include the construction of Nigeria’s longest concrete road, spanning from Obajana to Kabba, worth several billion naira; the establishment of a multimillion-naira clinic in Iwaa; and the provision of essential amenities such as water, electricity, and hospitals.
“Additionally, we have implemented various empowerment schemes totaling billions of naira,” he added
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has inaugurated a postgraduate foreign scholarship program under his foundation, aimed at providing advanced educational opportunities for students from Kano.
The scholarship will enable beneficiaries to pursue postgraduate studies in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and Forensic Science, and Robotics Technology in India, China, and Thailand.
During a ceremony in Kano on Monday, where admission letters were distributed to the first batch of 70 recipients, Jibrin emphasized that the selected students would embark on two-year postgraduate programs in these technologically advanced fields.
Jibrin highlighted the rigorous and transparent selection process overseen by a dedicated committee, which prioritized academic excellence.
Only candidates with first-class or second-class upper degrees were considered, ensuring that the most qualified students were chosen.
He stressed that the process was impartial, noting that he had no personal connections with any of the beneficiaries.
Importantly, the scholarship is not limited to students from Kano North, Jibrin’s senatorial district, but is inclusive of all 44 local government areas in Kano State.
“Our goal is to invest in the future of our youth through education,” Jibrin stated.
“We carefully selected these areas of study because they are at the forefront of modern technology.
“This initiative is designed to equip our students with the skills needed for the overall development of our nation.”
Jibrin encouraged the beneficiaries to be diligent in their studies and to represent Nigeria positively in their host countries.
He also expressed that students who find opportunities abroad after their studies are welcome to stay and gain further experience before returning to Nigeria.
Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, lauded Jibrin for his commitment to advancing education and providing such opportunities for Kano’s youth.
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