Lagos Inaugurates Kidsmart Computers In Schools

The Lagos State Government has flagged off the Kidsmart Early Learning Programme for public nursery and primary schools to ensure effective use of Information Technology (IT) in cognitive and social development of children in the early child care development education.

The programme was initiated in conjunction with the International Business Machines (IBM), West Africa Ltd., to expose children at tender ages to IT.

Flagging off the project last week, Chairman, Lagos Universal Basic Education Board, LSUBEB, Mrs. Gbolahan Daodu, urged corporate organisations and other stakeholders in the education sector to buy into the “Support Our School Initiative” of the state government.

She described the Kidsmart programme as IBM’s own support to the educational development of children in Lagos State schools as part of efforts to enhance public schooling.

Daodu stated that the programme would increase children access to the use of IT, thus sharpening their skills from a tender age, explaining that with regular interaction with computers and education software, children would be exposed to solving educational problems and making wise decisions.

While commending IBM for partnering with the government in the critical sector of education, she enjoined other corporate organisations to emulate the good gesture.

Daodu implored the benefiting schools to ensure the judicious use of the equipment so as to encourage the donors and attract more support from other stakeholders.

The Country General Manager of IBM, Mr. Taiwo Otiti, stated that the donation was in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility, adding that it was the beginning of partnership between IBM and LSUBEB.

He said the programme would provide interesting opportunities to support children’s learning processes, pledging that IBM would continue to support the state government in its quest to give quality education.

Otiti added that the equipment were the first set to be provided under a partnership that would span a period of three years.

No fewer than 38 units of computers and its accessories, including loud speakers, educational software and Teachers’ Guide were presented during the event.