For hundreds of pupils of Race Course Model Primary School, Kano, a computer is no longer an unfamiliar object seen from a distance or discussed only in the classroom.

They can now sit before one, switch it on, learn to type, calculate, create documents and explore the possibilities of the digital world.

That opportunity came with the opening of a new digital learning centre donated to the school by Nigeria’s glass and aluminium solutions company, ABUMET, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.

Equipped with 24 desktop computers, solar-powered electricity and new classroom furniture, the centre is expected to give about 600 pupils practical exposure to digital technology and help strengthen their computer education.

For many of the children, the intervention represents their first meaningful encounter with digital learning, opening a window to new ways of acquiring knowledge and developing skills that could prove valuable as they progress through school.

Speaking during the CSR visit to the school, ABUMET General Manager, Diemo Schillack, said the project was conceived to help bridge the digital divide and ensure that children, regardless of their background, are not left behind in an increasingly technology-driven world.

“We believe every child deserves access to quality learning tools and the opportunity to develop skills that will prepare them for the future,” Schillack said.

He added that early exposure to technology could influence a child’s educational journey, build confidence and create opportunities beyond the classroom.

“Technology is now part of everyday life, and introducing these young learners to digital tools early gives them a stronger foundation for their education and future careers,” he said.

Schillack expressed appreciation for the warm reception from the pupils and teachers, describing their enthusiasm as inspiring.

He also reaffirmed ABUMET’s commitment to education and community development, saying the company planned to return within a year to assess the pupils’ progress and the impact of the centre.

The Head Teacher of Race Course Model Primary School, Salisu Alhassan, described the intervention as a major boost to the school’s educational resources.

“On behalf of all stakeholders, we sincerely appreciate ABUMET for this remarkable contribution to our school,” Alhassan said.

He said the computers, solar power facilities and furniture would improve teaching and learning, particularly in digital literacy.

With the school’s large enrolment, Alhassan explained that pupils were divided into smaller groups to ensure that every child had an opportunity to participate in practical computer lessons.

“We organise the pupils into smaller groups so that everyone has the opportunity to participate and learn,” he said.

He stressed that the programme was designed to achieve more than basic computer literacy.

“We want them to understand how technology can support learning, problem-solving and everyday life,” he added.

According to him, pupils are already learning to use applications such as Microsoft Office, while acquiring practical skills in writing, calculations, record-keeping and information management.

Computer education becomes progressively more advanced from Primary Four to Primary Six, he explained, enabling pupils to build their digital competence before proceeding to secondary school.

Established in 1996, Race Course Model Primary School currently has about 600 pupils in 14 classrooms, offering education from Early Childhood Care and Education (ECC) to Primary Six.

Subjects taught at the school include Mathematics, English Language, Basic Science, Basic Technology, Nigerian History, Arabic and Digital Literacy.

One of the key features of the project is the solar-powered energy system installed to provide reliable electricity for the ICT centre.

The arrangement is expected to allow pupils to use the computers and digital learning resources without the interruptions often caused by unreliable power supply.

Beyond the immediate benefit to the school, the intervention underscores the potential of partnerships between businesses and educational institutions in expanding access to technology and improving learning opportunities.

For the pupils of Race Course Model Primary School, the new centre means more than 24 computers in a room. It offers them a chance to become familiar with a technology that increasingly shapes education, work and everyday life—and to begin building the skills they will need for the future.