The Director of Zion Study Centre, Mr. Toyin Joseph Larayintan, has called on the government to accelerate investment in technology-driven learning systems to ensure uninterrupted education for Nigerian children as the country continues to face insecurity and school-related abductions.
Call for Action Amid Insecurity
Larayintan made the appeal in a statement delivered at the monthly Echoes of Zion programme held at the Zion Study Centre, where young people gathered for mentorship and enlightenment on contemporary national issues. According to him, the recurring incidents of school attacks and the kidnapping of students across parts of Nigeria have highlighted the urgent need for alternative learning platforms that can keep children connected to education even when physical attendance becomes difficult or unsafe.
He noted that while security agencies continue efforts to combat criminal activities, the government must also develop resilient educational systems capable of withstanding disruptions caused by insecurity.
Technology as a Pathway
“The future of education cannot depend solely on physical classrooms. Technology offers a pathway for continuous learning, especially at a time when many parents are worried about the safety of their children. We must invest in digital infrastructure, virtual classrooms, broadband connectivity, and teacher training to ensure that learning never stops,” Larayintan stated.
He pointed to developed countries as examples of how technology has transformed education delivery. In South Korea, internet penetration exceeds 97 percent, with virtually all schools integrated into digital learning networks. Finland has incorporated digital literacy into its national curriculum, while more than 95 percent of public schools in the United States have access to high-speed internet and online learning platforms.
Lessons from the Pandemic
Larayintan recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, countries with strong digital education systems were able to sustain learning for millions of students despite prolonged school closures. He argued that Nigeria should draw lessons from these experiences and build a technology-enabled education sector capable of responding to emergencies, including security threats.
The education advocate further stressed that beyond protecting academic activities, investment in technology would equip Nigerian youths with digital skills needed to compete in the global economy, where innovation and technological competence are increasingly determining success. He called on policymakers, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to prioritize educational technology as part of broader efforts to secure the future of Nigeria’s young population.
The monthly Echoes of Zion programme serves as a platform for engaging and inspiring the younger generation on issues of national development, leadership, education, and social responsibility.
