Nigeria: The Chinese Business Community in Edo State appreciated the digital learning initiative EdoBEST 2.0. The community awarded scholarships to 20 secondary school students and recognized five outstanding teachers in the state.
Through this initiative they demonstrated their support for the laudable education initiatives of Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.
The Chinese business community is particularly happy about the introduction of digital teaching and learning models. The administration brought these teaching and learning models into secondary education through the EdoBEST 2.0 program.
The event where the business community awarded scholarships and recognition for teachers was held on Tuesday. The Imaguero Girls College in Benin served as the venue for the event. The event was attended by:
- The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki
- Edo State First Lady, Besty Obaseki
- Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Osa Oviawe
- The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos
- Members of the Chinese Business Community
Speaking on behalf of Edo State Government, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Oviawe, explained the kind gestures by the Chinese Business Community to the reforms of the current administration, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
According to Oviawe, “What you are seeing here today is a demonstration of the commitment of the Chinese Business Community to students of Edo State in support of our education reforms also known as EdoBEST 2.0. Part of the initiative is introducing digital education to our secondary schools.
Oviawe noted that the EdoBEST 2.0 program has provided not just quality and accessible education to secondary school students but has also ensured that students in rural and semi-urban areas are at learning par with their urban counterparts.
She further stated that the Edo State Government has distributed tablets to both students and teachers in the state. The aim is to foster active learning and interactions among teachers and students in its pilot phase of digital education in selected secondary schools in the state.
Oviawe said: “Consul General, it would interest you to know that since 2018, His Excellency Governor Godwin Obaseki has provided all our basic school teachers with tablets, so they are able to teach in a synchronized manner across the state, whether they are in urban, rural or semi-urban schools.
“Part of the EdoBEST 2.0 initiative of His Excellency is that, for secondary schools like the one we are in now, most teachers and students have tablets. For the last six months, we have been piloting digital education in some selected secondary schools, and Imaguero College happens to be one of these pilot schools.
“And what we have come to do with that digital education is to enhance further our pedagogy which is learner-centered, to aid active interactions between the teachers and the learners and active interactions between learners.” Oviawe further thanked the Chinese Business Community for their support and commitment to education in the state.
On her part, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, expressed delight over her visit to the state, noting that the aim of the donations was to empower education and support the EdoBEST program.
She said: “As the 8th and first female Consul General, it is a great honour to be offering out scholarships to students of this school. This is particularly true because when we develop education, the country develops. I want to say that the students of Edo State are very lucky to have a Governor who has such a great commitment towards education.
“We have donated digital gadgets to support the ongoing digital education and we look forward to extending our partnership to friendship. To the outstanding teachers and students, I want to say congratulation. China is like a family and we want to promote shared future.”
Offering a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Senior Prefect of Imaguero Girls College, Ms. Joy Obonodi appreciated the Consul General and the Chinese Business Community in Edo State for the donations and awards. According to her, “The ongoing EdoBEST 2.0 has changed our lives in so many ways, exposing us to digital education. These tablets will create opportunities for me and my fellow students to learn more.
“Thank you, Governor Obaseki, for bringing investors into Edo State. Today we are beneficiaries of the Chinese partnership with Edo State. I have always aspired to be a computer engineer and now I feel very encouraged to continue the pursuit of my dream.”
The highlight of the event was the award of scholarships to 20 students and the recognition of 5 outstanding teachers in Edo State.