The South Korean government is set to begin the second phase of its educational intervention at the Ekiti Smart School, Ijan-Ekiti.

The South Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has been actively involved in establishing Smart Schools in Nigeria, in six pilot states including the one in Ekiti State.

The KOICA Smart School project aims to improve access to quality education in Nigeria by leveraging technology. In Ekiti State, the project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

The Executive Chairman of the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Femi Akinwumi made this known while receiving a delegation from KOICA as the team embarked on an in-depth survey of the Smart School project at Ijan Ekiti.

Prof. Akinwumi while addressing the delegation led by the KOICA Deputy Country Director, Mr Baik Kihyun expressed joy that the State Smart School would soon receive more support from the South Korean Government through the second phase of intervention from KOICA.

The SUBEB boss while lauding the decision to begin the second phase of the Programme also stated that it would go a long way in improving the capacity of the school as well as facilitate it’s reach to rural areas and other parts of the state.

Akinwumi while reiterating the commitment of the Oyebanji led administration to implementing education policies intending to boost the basic education sector in the State also noted that leveraging on smart technology would further enhance critical thinking and creativity among. pupils.

He also used the opportunity to appreciate KOICA and the South Korean Government for the huge investment in Smart education which includes; capacity-building programmes for teachers, educators and policymakers which focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed to effectively integrate technology into the classroom, equipping the school with modern facilities such as the Digital Smart Studio.

He lauded KOICA for collaborating with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to provide training for teachers in areas like content development and the use of digital educational materials.

In his response, the Head of the delegation and KOICA Deputy Country Director, Mr Baik Kihyun, lauded the Oyebanji-led administration for the commitment shown in boosting and promoting education through innovative policies.

Mr. Kihyun said that Ekiti State had done remarkably well among the six pilot states chosen for the project in Nigeria.

While appreciating the State for its hospitality, he disclosed that the second phase of the intervention under SUBEB is expected to further improve the smart school in the State

The team later visited the SUBEB Headquarters in Ado Ekiti where they commended the government for providing a befitting office complex for the management and staff of the board.