…..Calls On Stakeholders For More Commitment To Transform Education Sector
Regalo Hope Foundation (RHF), Lagos at its annual education conference tagged: Edustake Conference has rewarded teachers, schools for excellence and innovation.
The conference which had in attendance teachers, students, parents was its 7th edition with the theme: ‘Transforming Education through Technology in Nigeria’, was held at the Lagos Theatre, Igando, Lagos on Friday.
The award in three categories namely: The RHF Legend Award was for teachers with over 25 years experience in the classroom, The RHF Heroes Award for teachers with over five years experience and the award for the quiz competition among schools.
For winner of the RHF Legend Award, Dr. Arum Joe received N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira).
Mr. Moses Ogundeji emerged winner of the RHF Heroes Award with a cash reward of N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira), for second position, Mr. Najeem Tijesu received N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) while for third position, Mr. Arinola Abiodun received N100, 000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira).
For the quiz competition for schools, after a rigorous competition, Grimes College, Alagbado, Lagos emerged winner with a cash award of N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira), Egan Senior Grammar School, Igando received N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) for the second place while Stadem Comprehensive School, Igando received N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) for emerging third.
The Founder and Project Director, Regalo Hope Foundation, Dr. Chinenye Onuorah said the conference was to commemorate the International Day of Education marked every 24th January in celebration of the role of education for peace and development as proclaimed by the United Nations.
She explained that the foundation is all out to develop education in the country most especially training of teachers which brought about the RHF learning Hub, Teachers Leadership Academy and the Teacher’s award.
She said that the learning hub and the Teachers Leadership Academy are free while she urged all stakeholders to be more committed to bringing the nation’s education to an enviable position as well as be supportive to one another in terms of helping the needy.
The Panel discussion which has educationists, parents and a member of the legislative arm of Alimosho Local Government examined how to fix education in the country.
They urged all stakeholders in the education sector especially parents to be up and doing in inculcating discipline in the learners so as to commensurate with what the government and the private sector operators are doing.
The students were urged to be intentional and determined towards their education as this will help them achieve their aim in life.
Speaking on the theme of the summit, ‘Transforming Education through Technology in Nigeria’, the keynote speaker, Dr. Nnamdi Ozobia called for more commitment from all stakeholders to transform the landscape of education in Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria is a nation of over 200 million people, with a youthful population eager for knowledge and opportunity like the rest of the world with approximately sixty percent of the Nigeria’s populations are youths between the ages of fifteen and thirty-five.
This demographic to him, characteristic puts Nigeria as one of the countries with a significant youth population, which has implications for its economic, social policies and development strategies “and while we have made significant strides in improving access to education, we are still confronted with a multitude of challenges such as: overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and a lack of basic educational resources in many rural and underserved areas.”

He however said to prepare the youths for the future, the nation must embrace a new educational paradigm that equips them with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever changing world, “and by harnessing technology as a transformative tool, we can empower our youth to not only meet the challenges of today but to shape a brighter future for tomorrow.
“Technology, with its potential to break down barriers of distance and cost, offers us a unique opportunity to address these challenges that we no longer need to be limited by geography, or constrained by outdated methods of teaching.
“The tools available to us today-from mobile devices to artificial intelligence, from virtual classrooms to educational apps have the power to redefine what is possible in education,” he explained.
Listing achievements if the nation fully embrace technology, Dr. Ozobia said it will lead to expanding access and inclusivity; it will help create personalized learning pathways; will enhance engagement through innovative approaches; will foster global collaboration and communication; promoting lifelong learning as well as fostering innovation and creativity.
He however said we must be mindful of challenges, “technology allows students to become creators, not just consumers, preparing them for the demands of the 21st-century workforce but while the promise of technology is immense, we must be mindful of the barriers that exist. Internet connectivity is still limited and remains unreliable in many parts of the country, particularly in rural areas, and we must work to bridge this gap.
“And to truly transform education through technology, we need a multi-faceted approach that focuses on infrastructure development, curriculum integration, public-private partnerships, policy and regulatory frameworks and most essentially, teacher training.
He continued: “Teachers are the linchpins in this transformation therefore we must invest in comprehensive professional development programmes that empower educators to effectively use technology in their teaching.
“In this new educational landscape, educators are not just transmitters of knowledge; they are facilitators of learning and innovation. By embracing technology, educators can create environments that encourage exploration, critical thinking and collaboration. It is crucial to foster a culture of continuous learning among practices and innovative approaches.” He added.
Charging every stakeholder, the keynote speaker said the future of education in Nigeria is full of promise and by embracing technology, “we can create a more equitable, efficient, and dynamic education system-one that empowers students to reach their full potential and equips them with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“But this future will not happen overnight. It will require the collective effort of every stakeholder-governments, educators, technologists, parents, and students working together to ensure that the benefits of technology are felt by all.
“We must keep our eyes on the long-term goal: an education system that is inclusive, adaptive, and capable of unlocking the immense potential within every Nigerian child,” he stated.
Participants at the conference commended Regalo Hope Foundation for their support and efforts to improve education over the years, adding that it has boost the believe of educators and learners that hard work pays most especially training of teacher which the foundation made a priority.
Regalo Hope Foundation is a pan-Nigerian, independent, and non-profit organization that creates impact through health, education, and technology and is situated in the Igando area of Lagos State, Nigeria.
BV.