In an initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes across the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, in collaboration with education technology company uLesson, will distribute 45,000 educational tablets to students.
This effort marks a significant step toward bridging digital learning gaps and providing equitable access to educational resources. The initiative was formally unveiled at DSP Alamieyeseigha Hall in Yenagoa, where key officials emphasised the impact of the program on students across the nine Niger Delta states.
Representing Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director and CEO of NDDC, George Uzonwanne, Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, underscored the importance of the tablets in enhancing the region’s educational infrastructure. Uzonwanne highlighted the steps being taken to ensure the effective use of the devices, saying, In addition to distributing these tablets, we have also employed consultants to train teachers on their use. So, if students face any challenges, trained teachers will be available to assist them. He also shared plans to establish a dedicated hotline and help desk that students can reach out to anytime, providing them with continuous guidance and support.
Sim Shagaya, the founder and CEO of uLesson Group, spoke about the company’s mission and the importance of partnerships like this with NDDC. After launching uLesson in 2020,“we noticed that the primary users were children from wealthy backgrounds. That was not our intention we built uLesson to be accessible to all students, regardless of background,” Shagaya explained. He stressed the role of government agencies in making technology accessible to underserved communities and acknowledged NDDC’s proactive steps in democratising access to digital learning tools.
Shagaya also emphasised the integral role of teachers and public institutions in making technology effective within the educational system. “There is no social problem that can be addressed without technology, he said. But technology alone cannot solve all our challenges. We need to continue supporting our teachers and involving the government as key facilitators.
The educational tablets provided by NDDC and uLesson will empower students with digital learning content tailored to the curriculum, including resources for subjects like science, mathematics, and languages. The distribution marks a transformative moment for students in the Niger Delta region, aligning with broader government efforts to advance education through technology.
As part of this initiative, teachers will receive comprehensive training on tablet usage, helping them support students and maximise the tablets’ educational potential. The NDDCs commitment, as noted by Uzonwanne, goes beyond distribution—focused on creating a sustainable model where students and educators can readily integrate technology into their learning environments.
With this program, the NDDC and uLesson are taking a significant step toward reducing educational inequality by ensuring that digital learning resources reach students across diverse backgrounds, equipping them with tools that promote academic success and prepare them for a technology-driven world.
