MTN Nigeria gets commendation for supporting education

BY GRACE AIRHULE

MTN Nigeria has received commendation from the Lagos State government for its support for e-learning in primary and secondary schools across the state.

The telecom giant received the commendation at the second edition of the Education Summit organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment (SDGI) in Lagos.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, while commending MTN Nigeria, noted that the past three years have witnessed tremendous improvement in the overall value chain of the education ecosystem.

“Our model of investment is informed by the desire to entrench 21st century technology into the sector. This huge investment will ultimately result in significant improvement in learning outcomes,” said the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.

“Our administration also seeks to recognise and appreciate the tremendous contribution and donations of various private partners who supported the state government’s Education Transformation Plan, most especially during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown of schools,” he said.

In June 2020, MTN Nigeria commenced a free data offer enabling primary and secondary school students in various states to access educational content. The intervention was done in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, allowing primary and secondary school students access to virtual lessons and exam prep.

The resources available cover all primary and secondary school subjects and over 10 years of past questions from key examinations, including the First School Leaving Certificate exams, West African Senior School Certificate exams, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board exams, among others, as well as access to learning portals such as Pass.ng, Roducate, and mAcademy.

Lynda Saint-Nwafor, chief enterprise business officer, MTN Nigeria, said, “We are humbled by the recognition from the Lagos State Government and are pleased by how well our support was received by the Ministry of Education. At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life and will continue to provide opportunities that support students to learn and shine.”

Other private sector organisations recognised at the event include First Bank of Nigeria, FMDQ Group, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, among others.