The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday said it would collaborate with the Lagos State Government on its proposed ‘Ibile tablet,’ an educational iPad for students in public schools.

The President of the union, Mr Michael Olukoya, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview in Lagos that the programmme was a laudable one.

NAN reports that Gov. Akinwumi Ambode had during his 2016 budget presentation on Dececember 17 said that the state government would develop its e-curriculum.

The governor explained that the e-curriculum would lead to the distribution of ‘Ibile Tablets,’ an information communication technology (ICT) device, to students.

Ambode gave an assurance that the e-curriculum could turn around the fortunes of the education sector at the secondary school level.

“It will set a new standard in educational system and enhance the knowledge of children to enable them compete effectively with their peers in developed countries.”

The NUT president said that teachers were eagerly awaiting the implementation of the ‘Ibile tablet’ programme.

He said that the union could not speak on the efficacy of the device until it had been implemented.

Olukoya, however, said that considering the pedigree of the state, the best quality would be expected.

“We know the governor will not embark on a project that will not add value to the education sector.

“We teachers are eagerly waiting for the implementation of the policy as promised.

“If the ‘Ibile tablet’ is distributed as promised, I am sure that the problem associated with the ‘Opon Imo,’ a similar device distributed by the Osun State Government, will be addressed.

“We are eagerly waiting for it; no effort toward advancing the course of education is a waste.”

He said the union would continue to support programmes that would give the Nigerian child a better future.

“Should we find anything that requires constructive criticism with the policy, we will not hesitate to criticise it because NUT must be seen to be performing its duty.

“Every step made toward advancing the education of the Nigerian child, we will support it whole heartedly.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Ambode.

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