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Shettima Backs Digital Education Drive, Praises Kukah Centre–ProFuturo Partnership

1 hour ago
Usman Ishaq Shehu
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The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has commended the partnership between the Kukah Centre and the ProFuturo Foundation, describing it as a strong contribution to improving digital education in Nigeria, particularly in underserved communities.

Shettima said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing efforts to strengthen skills development through the National Council on Skills.

He made the remarks on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving a delegation from both organisations led by Bishop Matthew Kukah.

The Vice President noted that the programme, which has been running since 2017, has recorded progress in school enrolment, teacher training, and learning outcomes across participating states.

While acknowledging the achievements, he stressed the need to expand the initiative further, citing Nigeria’s rising population and pressure on educational resources.

Shettima also called for closer collaboration between implementing partners and key institutions including the Federal Ministry of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the National Board for Technical Education (NABTE), and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), to strengthen coordination and improve impact.

He further disclosed plans to present the initiative to the National Economic Council (NEC) to support the digitisation of Universal Basic Education Boards nationwide.

Earlier, Bishop Matthew Kukah said the visit was to express support for the administration’s focus on digital education, adding that the partnership reflects the kind of leadership needed to prepare Nigeria for a digital future.

Representatives of the ProFuturo Foundation said the programme has benefited from strong local commitment and political support, which has helped its steady expansion in Nigeria.

Project coordinator Dr Emmanuel Nkanta reported that the initiative has so far reached 13 states, 123 schools, 72,000 students, and 1,150 teachers, while calling for increased funding and partnerships to scale up the programme.

Officials present at the meeting included the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, and senior representatives of the ProFuturo Foundation and UBEC.