NDDC Equips Bayelsa Students With 5,000 ULesson Tablets, Empowering Digital Learning

From Mgbo Nnachi in Yeñagoa

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State: The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has taken a significant step towards promoting digital literacy and educational advancement in Bayelsa State, distributing 5,000 educational tablets pre-loaded with the ULesson software to students from 17 primary and secondary schools across eight local government areas.

The distribution ceremony, held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, underscores NDDC’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives in the region, aligned with the “Hope Agenda” championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This is more than just the distribution of digital devices; it is a significant leap forward in integrating technology into our educational processes,” stated NDDC Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, represented by Mr George Uzo Nwanne.

He emphasized the initiative’s crucial role in fostering literacy, numeracy, and lifelong learning opportunities, equipping Niger Delta youth to compete on a global stage.

The ULesson tablets, equipped with offline video libraries, offer a robust learning environment, catering to areas with inconsistent internet access.

The platform also boasts parent controls and a long battery life, making it a secure and user-friendly tool for both students and educators.

“These tablets represent our commitment to creating a conducive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, creativity, and innovation,” Ogbuku added.

“With these U-Lesson tablets, our students will have a dedicated space to learn, study, and grow, engaging in collaborative learning and building meaningful relationships with their peers.”

Mr. Sim Shagaya, the representative of the ULesson group, highlighted the company’s vision to democratize access to quality education through technology.

He acknowledged the crucial role of government agencies like NDDC in bridging the gap and making ULesson accessible to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

“We started working with a team of 30, and now we are well over 300, creating this incredible application and content,” Shagaya said.

“We launched ULesson one week into the COVID-19 lockdown, and while initially, it was primarily purchased by children from affluent families, we always envisioned it as a tool for everyone.”

He expressed gratitude to NDDC for recognizing the need to make digital learning accessible to all, stating that the intervention will help bridge the digital divide and ensure that every child in the region has access to quality education.

The NDDC’s initiative marks a significant milestone in enhancing the learning experience for students in Bayelsa State and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
It is expected to have a lasting impact on the region’s educational landscape, fostering a generation of digitally proficient and empowered learners.