The Cherithpoint Education and Youth Development Initiative has underscored the importance of education and digital literacy in the advancement of the nation’s economy.
Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mrs. Olajumoke Akere, made this known at a symposium themed Digital Inclusion and Accessibility, the challenge of the Digital Divide, organised by GoToCourse, an Edtech platform, in recognition of Digital Literacy Day in Ibadan.
Akere said that the term digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to digital resources and those who do not.
She said that it was imperative for everyone to double their efforts in promoting digital literacy in this era so as not to be left in the digital abyss.
Akere emphasised the need for governments as well as private sectors to collaborate and put in place strategies to bridge the digital divide and ensure digital literacy is at the forefront of their strategies.
According to the CEO, education and digital literacy go hand in hand and are substantial for the progression of any nation, especially in this digital era we live in.
Achieving digital inclusion, according to her, transcends providing access to the internet or devices but extends to cultivating a world where every individual can effectively use digital technologies.
She reiterated that closing the digital divide requires prioritising education and skill advancement in information and communication technology (ICT) and equipping people with the skills needed to use digital technology efficiently and effectively, which in turn promotes digital literacy.
Akere further elaborates that inadequate digital literacy can hamper education, especially in developing nations.
Akere said that it is not enough to have physical access to technology; resources and skills are also needed to actively engage in the digital world.
The CEO advised that both developed and developing nations must take practical steps to ensure equal access to digital resources.
Akere also listed steps that must be taken by the government to bridge this divide, which include policy framework formulation, infrastructure development, education, and skill advancement.
She suggested that governments should create comprehensive policies that promote digital inclusion.
“These policies could include providing subsidies for broadband and devices, establishing public internet access points, and sponsoring digital literacy programmes.
“There is a need for robust infrastructure that would aid digital inclusion, such as nationwide broadband networks,” she said.
Akere said that students in rural or impoverished areas often lack access to digital devices and the internet, thus hindering their ability to engage in digital learning.
She said, “Without access to digital technologies, students in disadvantaged regions struggle to develop digital literacy, which is critical for future job prospects and participation in the digital economy.”
She highlighted the transformative role that digital technologies can have in enhancing educational experiences through a variety of tools and resources.
In his remarks, Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Soliu AbdulWaheed, applauded GoToCourse’s efforts to provide digital literacy for the community of students, teachers, and educators.
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