The Director of Zion Study Centre, Mr. Toyin Joseph Larayintan, has called on the Nigerian government to urgently invest in technology-driven learning systems to safeguard the education of children amidst ongoing insecurity and frequent school abductions across the country.
Call for Alternative Learning Platforms
Speaking at the monthly Echoes of Zion programme held at the Zion Study Centre, Larayintan emphasized that recurring school attacks and kidnappings have exposed the need for alternative educational platforms that can function even when physical attendance becomes dangerous. He acknowledged efforts by security agencies but stressed the importance of developing resilient education systems that can withstand disruptions.
“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.
Global Examples of Digital Education
Larayintan pointed to developed nations as models for technology integration in education. In South Korea, internet penetration exceeds 97 percent, with virtually all schools connected to digital networks. Finland has embedded digital literacy into its national curriculum, and over 95 percent of public schools in the United States have access to high-speed internet and online learning platforms.
He 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. Nigeria, he argued, should learn from these experiences and build a technology-enabled education sector that can respond to emergencies, including security threats.
Digital Skills for Global Competitiveness
Beyond protecting academic activities, Larayintan stressed that investment in technology would equip Nigerian youths with digital skills necessary to compete in the global economy, where innovation and technological competence are increasingly crucial for 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.
