EdTech - The future of Africa

I refuse to believe it!

Is this what the school system has turned into?

As I prepared dinner with my cousins during the Christmas Holiday, a conversation erupted. For context, there were about five of them, four were in secondary school while one was in her first year in a college of education.

I asked the two of them who were preparing for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) Examination how preparations where coming through. “It is impossible to write external examination without help - Examination Malpractice” said the one who was an undergraduate. Two more agreed with her, their voices rising above each other.

While in shock, I told them that it was possible, very possible. As a matter of fact, I boldly informed that that I wrote my WAEC in Federal Government Girls' College Owerri, passed excellently (3 A’s, 4 B’s and 2 C’s) without help. You needed to see them defend exam malpractice. Buttressing their point, they cited examples of their friends that also passed Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Examination with exam malpractice. So, it is prevalent across all levels.

At this point, I resorted to hosting a 30 minutes masterclass for my teenage cousins with my experience as a primary reference.

Now, the question is, how corrupt has our school system become? How has school administration enabled examination malpractice to the point where students now see it as the norm? How heartbreaking!

School leaders and teachers, we can do better. Allow students write internal and external examination on their own. Why are you scared they will fail? Where then lies the test of your profession if you cannot guarantee that students you taught will pass their examination?

Give students a chance, SAY NO TO EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE!

Anyway, I have gotten them scratch cards from Exam Scholars to practice for their examinations as they prepare to write their external examination without malpractice.

You can visit Examscholars Limited to get same for your children and students. Practice they say makes perfect. Exam Scholars empowers students with the tools and resources needed to excel in their academic journey. Their platform provides access to comprehensive practice materials for key exams such as JAMB/UTME, WAEC/SSCE, BECE (Junior WAEC), and NCEE (Common Entrance). Visit their website https://examscholars.com/ for more information.

𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙩!

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆:
-Primary school pupils and Secondary school students.
- Children aged 9 - 16 years.

𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗖𝗗𝗘𝗖) 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯

The SystemSpecs Annual Essay Competition was inaugurated in 2020 to express the group's CSR commitment (Develop Capacity towards National Growth and Development through Technology) and stimulate the minds of young Nigerians to consider adopting technology to address everyday problems.

This year, primary and secondary school students in Nigeria between the ages of 9 -16 to showcase their innovative ideas for solvng national problems using technology via essay writing.

This year's topic is "Making Nigerian Children Better Citizens Through the Use of Technology". Participants are to explore this theme to come up with mind-blowing ideas.

𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: 14th April, 2023

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://oyaop.com/opportunity/competitions-and-awards/systemspecs-childrens-day-essay-competition-cdec-2023/ or, https://www.opportunitiesforafricans.com/the-2023-systemspecs-childrens-day-essay-competition-cdec-for-primary-and-secondary-school-students/

𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

In pre-nursery and Nursery school, kids are made to explore basic foundational literacy and numeracy. They are seen reciting the 26 letters of the alphabets, one-letter word, two-letter words, numbers 1-10, words of numbers 1-10 and more, the list is endless.
Everyday when asked what was learnt in school, they recite the same thing, at some point one wonders if there will ever be more or when they would get to the point where they are made to learn more.

As they grow and progress into the primary school system, they begin to learn various concepts in English and Literature, Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning, Mathematics, Social Studies, Health Education, Fine Art, Music, and others. Oops! I cannot end the list without including Agricultural Science, which was my best subject.

While in junior secondary school, they are made to learn all subjects (this is the case for most schools) from English and Mathematics to Basic Technology, Physical and Health Education, Computer Science/Data Processing, Christian Religious Knowledge, Business Studies and others.

In the Secondary secondary classes, they are made to choose between science and arts subjects and are split into different classes where they are taught science specific or art specific subjects.

For senior secondary schools like mine, I went to a Federal School (Yes, my shoulder pads are high). My alma mater separated the senior classes in SS1 into Science, Arts, Technology and Commercial classes in a bid to address the different possibilities and broader category in the world view. Students were also given an opportunity to choose one or two interrelated subjects.

I always wished I would choose Geography, Further Mathematics History or Technical Drawing as an option, however in reality I choose Agricultural Science and Animal Husbandry. If I was well informed I would have opted for one of them since they are related and pursued one of the former subjects.

Looking back at my experiences and most of our experiences,
- Would it have been better to allow students to take all subjects to adequately prepare them for the future?

- What role did the Guidance and Counselors (often called the G&C department) play in properly guiding subjects in choice of subjects? Could they have done better?

- Would it have been possible to have all students stay in the same classroom irrespective of their choice of subjects? Would it have increased students' knowledge, giving them a broader view of life? Would it have enhanced their ability to connect with people regardless of their very different views?

- Would a less structured school system have delivered an excellent education system?

What do you think?

Image source: istockphoto.

Dear educators, it's a new academic year, jump on this opportunity now!

Looking for quality, virtual professional development? 👀

Microsoft Store offers free workshops and training sessions for you to brush up on new skills for the new year. https://msft.it/6184el7bC

Opportunity Alert!!

One of our mandate here in EdTech - The future of Africa is to always share opportunities in the education space.

Here's a good opportunity to show case your student/child who is very good with comprehensive essay writing, and who knows, they may emerge winners of over two million naira education grant to any African Country.

Find details below:
The UBA National Essay Competition

The UBA National Essay Competition is targeted at senior secondary students in Nigeria is organized annually, as part of UBA Foundation’s Education initiative which is aimed at promoting the reading culture and encouraging healthy and intellectual competition amongst secondary school students in Nigeria and across Africa.

Essay Topic:
“ASUU Strikes have often cost Nigeria students time. Advise the Nigerian government on how they can reach an agreement with ASUU to improve tertiary education in the country”

1st Prize: 5 million education grant to any African university
2nd Prize: 3 million education grant to any African university
3rd Prize: 2.5 million education grant to any African university

Read more here:
https://www.ubagroup.com/national-essay-competition/

Apply here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3UYBS1KjEhq62ytWbpDL4snohlBKVGoZTU1UHd1M6HrB8sw/viewform

Application Deadline: 14th October, 2022

As we celebrate International Literacy Day today, it's important that we remember why literacy matters. It's a matter of dignity and human rights, and it's essential for creating a more literate and sustainable society. Let's use this day as a reminder to commit to advancing the literacy agenda worldwide.

This year’s International Literacy Day falls on September 8th and the worldwide theme is "Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces".

It's a day to reflect on how important literacy learning spaces are in building resilience and making sure that education is accessible, high quality, and equitable for everyone. This year, let's take the time to think about how we can improve literacy learning spaces so that they benefit everyone!

When re-imagining literacy learning spaces, our homes must not be left out. Kids should be given the opportunity to explore their creativity while at home.

Teachers should not be left alone to do the work. I encourage parents and guardians to provide opportunities for their kids to learn while at home.

They should be exposed to books, applications, and other materials that can spur them to read and learn more words, thus increasing their literacy skills.

Happy !

I will be sharing some interesting summer programs you can register your kids for as they continue their holiday

The Holiday season is here!

Organizations and institutions are organizing various fun and exciting summer programs for kids, teachers, and schools.

The world has gone past enrolling kids in regular school holiday programs, doing school during holidays is brain-tasking for kids.

Technology has presented us with various areas, skills, and platforms kids can leverage to learn more about STEM( Science Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics), STEAM (Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and STEAMI (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation).

Science, Arts, and Humanities have evolved below the classroom, expose your children to coding, robotics, DIY, virtual reality, and others. This will give your kids a broader view of education whilst exposing them to life skills and various career pathways therein.

I implore you to register your kids for out-of-school programs or handwork skills. Allow them to learn something different this summer.

I will be sharing some of these opportunities as I come across them, stay tuned.

Below is a list of opportunities for students and educators:

1. World Bank Group (WBG)-Africa Education Fellowship Program

This programme is for Master’s degree holders with three to four years of relevant experience, Ph.D. candidates (in their last year of enrollment), or recent graduates (within three years of Ph.D. completion) from Sub-Saharan Africa.

To learn more about the program and eligibility requirements, visit:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/brief/world-bank-group-education-africa-fellowship-program

Deadline: February 28, 2022

2. Nigeria Spelling Bee

Register your school to participate in either or both of the Junior and Senior categories of the Nigeria Spelling Bee.

To learn more about the contest and registration details, visit:

https://www.nigeriaspellingbee.com/register/

Application Fee per candidates: #2500

Deadline: February 21, 2022

3. I Beg To Differ Student Debate Tournament

Do you have students aged 14 -16 who are good with words and can argue intelligently?

The "I Beg To Differ" contest is Nigeria's only radio debate tournament for teens! Participating students stand a chance to win the N1 million Grand Prize. This competition is open to students in Lagos State only.

To learn more about the Tournament and Register your students to participate, visit:
https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/lagos/i-beg-to-differ/

4. Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior 2022: A Global Challenge for Students

This challenge is open to students 13 - 18 to empower them to learn about technology and develop a concept or idea to make a difference in their community and the world around them.

To learn more about the challenge, visit:
https://imaginecup.microsoft.com/en-us/junior

Deadline: May 12, 2022.

Earlier last week, we celebrated World Safer Internet Day.

Safer Internet Day is observed every year on the second day of the second week of February with the aim of providing a safer and better internet, where every user gets to use the internet responsibly and without getting their data leaked. The day is being celebrated in around 15 countries across the world today.

The theme for this year's celebration was; All fun and Games, Exploring Respect and Relationships Online.

In the light of the recent adoption and use of technology especially amongst teenagers, It is apparent that a continuous campaign/sensitization is relevant in order to guide internet users to be safe online.

The advent of technology today is surging through all spheres of life, and no doubt, it is revolutionizing the field of education. Technology is considered a force multiplier for educators as it improves teaching methods and contributes to a better learning experience.

With technology, students have wide access to educational resources including websites, online tutorials, e-books, games, digital laboratories, and more to assist them in their studies.

Even though the onset of technology has made education and learning experience more effective, there are undeniable disputes and challenges accompanied with it which we ought not to negate.

It is the responsibility of parents and teachers to their children and students on safety tips while exploring the internet. While ills like cyberbullying and harassment, hate speech, sexual harassment, misinformation, and so on occur online. Our teenagers and young adults deserve to be tutored on how to stay safe online.

As a parent, you should know to a large extent the activities of your child while exploring the internet. Engage them in discussions on their activities online, find out if there are any unsafe pointers that need to be addressed. You can also activate Parental Guidance Settings/Privacy settings if the technology tool they are using has that feature.

Teachers and schools should organize training for their students on safety while exploring the internet. Especially because students utilize technology to carry out most of their assignments and research. This training could be done at the Assembly, in-class, or organized as an extra-curricular activity.

Dear parents and educators, adopt whichever method works for you and ensure our teenagers and young adults are vigilant and safe while they explore the internet.

Happy World Safer Internet Day!