Prince Osuagwu
20 August 2008
As the Lagos State government rallies support to salvage the deplorable condition of public schools in the state, one of Nigeria's frontline computer companies, Omatek Ventures plc has pledged to pull resources to help the return of not only better conditions to the public schools but to also see they are equipped with the right tools to compete favourably in the contemporary global education system.
Lagos state government recently launched a Support our Schools initiative which it said was aimed at reforming the public schools and create a child-friendly learning environment which would ensure that while the children of the super rich in the society are equipped with better education in the private schools, their counterparts in the public schools are not left out too.
At the launch of the initiative in Lagos recently, one of the Directors of Omatek Ventures Plc, Prof Ibidapo Obe, commended the Lagos State Government for its vision and promised that his company would key in on the initiative, saying the initiative was capable of fostering the relationship between government and other stakeholders to enrich the quality of education in the state.
According to Obe, Omatek will play an active role in the 'Support Our Schools' initiative by equipping some computer laboratories since Computer technology plays a big role in rebuilding community by improving communication, economic opportunity, civic participation and education.
He urged the government to reinforce the relevance of Information Technology to the education curriculum as youths need to fully embrace IT in schools, since the school has been recognized as the most importantmeans of transferring the wealth of tradition from one generation to another.
Obe, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, challenged principals, teachers and students in public/private primary and secondary schools in Lagos State to take advantage of the Omatek e-Youth and e-Express initiatives to acquire computers/laptops at affordable costs through a convenient payment plan which spans 12- 24 months. For him, Omatek is committed to helping bridge the digital divide through the dissemination of IT Knowledge and skills.
Earlier in his speech at the event, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) said that the primary school helps to lay the rudimentary foundation of knowledge, intellect and moral character, while the secondary school builds on that foundation to prepare the child for the specialized training received in tertiary institutions.
He recounted that over N1.2 billion has been spent since the inception of his administration while N8.7billion will be spent this year for more construction works, provision of furniture, toilets and laboratories for about 70 schools.
He also said that an additional 15,000 primary and secondary classrooms will also be built before the expiration of his tenure in office.
In her own remarks at the occasion, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan said the 'Support Our Schools' initiative is another bold step by the Lagos State Government to ensure that public schools are reformed to the status they used to be acknowledged for in the past adding that the dream is to build child-friendly schools where no child is left behind while making quality education accessible to children of Lagos State irrespective of the circumstances of their birth.
Omatek Computers has launched its e-express consumer initiative in Oyo State. The e-express initiative provides an opportunity for Civil Servants to acquire computers through a convenient payment plan which spans 12 - 24 months. With the introduction of the e-express initiative, civil servants and other indigenes of Oyo State can now own computers through the N1.5 billion facility granted by Afribank Plc for each state of the federation
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Western Hall, Parliament Building on August 13, Governor Adebayo Alao Akala, represented by the deputy Governor, Taofeek Arapaja said the launch was part of government's determination to computerize the State Public Service. He noted that government will continue to provide the enabling environment that will make Civil Servants to become more efficient, effective, innovative and proactive in tackling challenges in the course of their duties.
According to Governor Akala, 'with the use of computers, officers will be able to prepare their memoranda and submissions with ease and make necessary corrections without wasting time. Teachers will also be in a better position to provide appropriate examples to their students especially when they are connected to the internet'.
In order to demonstrate its commitment towards the initiative, the Oyo State Executive Council has approved that the State Government should bear 50% of the cost of Computers for the first 250 applicants under the scheme.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Omatek General Manager, South, Mr. Emomine Mukoro thanked the Oyo State Government for believing in Made -in- Nigeria brand, adding that Omatek has launched the scheme in seven states already.
He said that Omatek will continue to come up with products at affordable prices in order to enhance IT Penetration in Nigeria, while helping to bridge the digital divide. He said that the international quality consciousness for Omatek brand of products is reflected in 'The Best Systems Builder Award' presented by Microsoft in 2005. The Award covers the West, East and Central Africa. The award in effect, confirms OMATEK's Pioneering status in building quality computer brands.
The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Ebenezer Okebukola urged Civil Servants to optimize the use of the Computers to justify government's expenditure on ICT development in the state. He said that government will continue to train and re-train its personnel to boost their performance. He called on Civil Servants to take advantage of the scheme by embracing the initiative.
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