The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming public education through a scalable digital learning reform programme designed to improve teaching quality and learning outcomes in public primary schools across the state.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with EIDU, is already recording measurable progress, particularly in foundational literacy and numeracy.
Speaking at a Steering Committee meeting in Akure, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, said the programme has shown significant improvement since its introduction, driven by the deployment of Artificial Intelligence-powered Digital Personalised Learning (DPL) tools and structured English pedagogy.
She explained that the programme currently covers about 10,000 pupils in Primary 1 to Primary 3 across four pilot local government areas—Akure South, Akure North, Idanre, and Ifedore.
According to her, the intervention has recorded “remarkable impact” in strengthening early learning outcomes in public schools.
As part of the rollout, over 400 smartphones have been distributed to support classroom instruction, while teachers, head teachers, and quality assurance officers have undergone capacity-building training. In addition, more than 2,000 copies of “Let’s Read” literacy textbooks have been supplied to participating schools.
Princess Bayo-Ilawole described the initiative as strategic and impactful, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to improving education through planning, supervision, and stakeholder collaboration.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Igbekele Ajibefun, said the programme would help reposition public schools as a preferred option for parents by improving quality and restoring confidence in the system.
He noted that the initiative is expected to reduce truancy, increase enrolment, and strengthen discipline among pupils.
Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Ologbese Kolawole, assured that the legislature would provide backing to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
Similarly, the State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Olanike Adams, described the initiative as a forward-looking intervention aimed at revitalising basic education in the state.
Speaking on behalf of EIDU, the Head of Global Government Relations and Corporate Affairs, Femi Awoyinfa, said Ondo State has demonstrated strong commitment compared to other participating states, a factor he noted has contributed significantly to the programme’s success and potential expansion.
He added that the initiative is supported by continuous collaboration between stakeholders, which is key to sustaining long-term impact.
Also speaking, Clara Ruiz, Head of Strategy and Government Relations at EIDU Kenya, explained that the platform operates both online and offline, using artificial intelligence to deliver personalised learning even in low-connectivity environments.
Stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to ensure the programme continues to improve learning outcomes and expand access to quality education across Ondo State.