Anambra state government yesterday flagged off the distribution of 25,000 laptops to secondary schools in the State, valued at N1 billion to improve the quality of education in the state.
The 25,000 laptops come complete with full syllables and is the fruit of partnership with Technology Distribution (TD), Africa’s foremost ICT distributors; Microsoft; and HP.
Peter Obi, governor of Anambra state who launched the initiative at the Women Development Centre, Awka , also formal flagged off the Secondary schools Connectivity and Education Programme.
Obi at the event also begun the distribution of 1,400 colour printers and other internet connectivity facilities to strengthen the setting up of Microsoft Information Technology Academy in schools.
The governor said 520 generators would also be distributed to the schools to ensure steady power supply, while computer teachers would be employed for all the schools.
He explained that ICT Education would widen opportunity for the children to attain full potential and become role models in the society.
Dr. Uju Okeke, commissioner for Education, said the Governor had continued to exhibit and sustain enormous political will by investing substantial funds and resources to improve the standard of Education in schools in spite challenges resulting from neglect by previous administration.
One of the Technological partners, representing HP, Mr. Richard Stanford commended Governor Obi for the initiative which he said represented the future of the country and would bridge the gap in education in the twenty first century, noting that Anambra was setting a pace for others.
Another partner, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, representing Galazy Backbone, recalled that Governor Obi’s administration was the first to computerized one hundred schools with internet facilities which he noted no state in the country and West African has equaled.
Ilukwe said the Governor had continued to demonstrate commitment to the progress and future of the state, urging the beneficiaries to put the facilities into good use.
Marc Israel said ICT Academy would provide children with all necessary ICT skill to keep the state on global map of ICT technology and assist in long and short term planning.
Another partner, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh, Technology Distributions, a Zinox company noted that Governor Obi’s huge investment on ICT Education would benefit future generation and produce privileged individual capable of defending their positions.
Dr. Ekeh said that Governor Obi was the first to embark on the programmes to equip the children adequately.