VP Shettima hails NEDC’s pioneering investment in education, green technology

In a bid to transform the educational landscape of Nigeria’s North East, Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its forward-thinking investments in education and green technology through the Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP).

Speaking at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, the Vice President described the initiative as a “game changer” for the region.

Senator Shettima asserted that history would judge the commission favourably for its decision to go beyond infrastructural development. “Intervention in infrastructure is good, but this ASSEP and the likely investments in green technology will fully change the landscape,” he declared. Emphasising education as “the greatest leveller”, he added that such investments could empower even the humblest beginnings to yield celebrated icons.

The Vice President specifically lauded the incorporation of innovative digital platforms – notably Virtual Reality (VR) headsets – which are set to revolutionise the learning experience. “These VR headsets are revolutionising learning, offering numerous benefits in terms of enhanced engagement and motivation,” he noted. He further highlighted the potential to expand teacher training dramatically: “From 100 teachers, we’re able to reach 600 in 71 institutions,” he said.

In his remarks, Senator Shettima also urged the NEDC, the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, and other stakeholders to enhance collaboration. “Improved collaboration, rigorous assessment and evaluation, along with equipping students with essential soft skills, are critical for future careers in technology, healthcare and engineering,” he explained.

Highlighting the socioeconomic challenges of the region, the Vice President warned that the North East remained one of the poorest areas in Nigeria. “The base of poverty in Nigeria is found in the North. If the North East were to be treated as a country, we would be poorer than Chad, poorer than Niger, and even poorer than Afghanistan,” he stated, citing a World Bank description of the region as one of the poorest in the world.

Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to uplifting secondary education. “This administration is focused on capacity building, providing scholarships for indigent students and upgrading essential educational infrastructure and ICT tools,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, the Managing Director of NEDC, outlined the commission’s broader efforts in reviving teacher training and establishing new educational facilities. “We have already signed an MOU with the National Teachers Institute in Kaduna, established teachers’ training centres and built mega schools – one per senatorial district – alongside 18 ICT training centres,” he detailed.

The meeting reached its highpoint with the presentation of VR headsets to the Vice President by Dr Mariam Masha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Regional Development Programmes, underscoring the commission’s tangible steps towards modernising education.

As the North East Development Commission forges ahead with its initiatives, industry observers are watching closely, recognising that such investments in education and technology could serve as a catalyst for broader socio-economic development across Nigeria.

Odigie Ehidiamen Kelvin