Minister Decries ICT Low Level In Education Sector

The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’I, has decried the low level of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the country’s education system.

Rufa’I made the remark in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the 1st Annual National Conference on ICT in Education.

She said poor regulation of ICT education was responsible for the proliferation of computer training schools “offering all sorts of certificates and programmes based on curricula that are undefined.”

The minister said the practice was unacceptable to government and that government had decided to put in place strong machinery for the integration of ICT in education.

Rufa’I said that ICT could be used to widen access to education, reduce the cost of providing education as well as increase the ability of governments to deliver on their social goals.

She said the conference was timely and crucial as it aligns with the current drive by the Federal Government to integrate ICT into every sector of the economy and particularly the education sector.

“Meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) and Education for All (EFA) are most likely to be made through the development and deployment of ICT in education.

“Our aim is to map out strategies for effective implementation of ICT in education; facilitate exchange of stakeholders’ experiences and provide concepts and tools for formulating viable ICT in education policies,” she added.

The minister, therefore, urged stakeholders in the sector to partner with the ministry to salvage the education system to ensure sustainable development.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Ben Ibeh, said the ministry would ensure the integration of ICT into all levels of education to enhance the quality of education in the country.

The theme of the three days conference is “Formulating a Viable Policy Framework for ICT in Education.’’