Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi,has stressed on the need for students in the state to embrace information and communication technology (ICT) in their academic pursuits to remain relevant and meet the 21st century teaching and learning requirements.
The governor, who spoke at the official commissioning of an ICT Resource Centre housed by the Oyo State College of Health Science &Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan noted that ICT has empowered numerous people and provided intellectual leverage required in various ventures, adding that it has one of the longest value – chain as a profession.
“The illiterates of tomorrow are not those who can not read and write, but those who can not use the computer. ICT is essential in all sectors and has one of the longest value chain as a profession”, the governor said.
He, also observed that ICT has become crucial to effective teaching and learning process, averring that students are left with no other option than to embrace the new teaching methodology rather than taking a risk of becoming irrelevant in current global policy.
The governor enjoined the students to be more committed to their studies and other academic activities in school.
Ajimobi maintained that the ICT centre, facilitated by Honourable Saheed Akinade -Fijabi, representing Ibadan Southwest /North west Federal Consistency, would contribute hugely to human capital development in the state.
Speaking further, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to educational development, assuring that the new policies will boost students performance.
He, however commended the lawmaker, Honourable Fijabi whom he described as “epitome of services” for facilitating projects that has direct impact on his people.
Ajimobi said , “he has expanded himself to cover education, health and community services. He did not concentrate on communications alone, but covering many areas which brought us here”.
Earlier in his opening remarks , the Chairman, House Committee on Telecommunications, Honourable Fijabi informed that the project was facilitated to improve the core functions of teaching, learning and research application through ICT.
He stressed that the centre was in tune with the vision of the state government towards developing ICT.
Fijabi explained, “this project will serve as backbone for teaching, learning, and research. We have also facilitated this type of project and others across the state.
“A maternity centre is presently under construction at Orita-Merin. The maternity centre on completion is expected to provide
affordable and sound health care services to the people. I have also
sponsored several motions and bills”.
The mixed gathering event comprising intellectuals, politicians and civil societies had in attendance, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, his counterpart in the ministry of Health, Dr Azeez Adeduntan, the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH) , Ibadan, Professor Temitope Alonge amongst others.
Packaged by Ayodele Idowu
