In a world increasingly driven by technology, education must adapt to meet new challenges and opportunities. Lagos State is taking steps to ensure its students are prepared for the future by integrating technology into the learning process.
On Wednesday, an award ceremony was held at the Education Resource Center in Ojodu, Lagos, to honor Junior Secondary School (JSS3) students who have excelled in mathematics through the use of the Darsel App.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Abolaji Abayomi, emphasized the importance of using artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological tools to enhance education.
“The world has provided better platforms through science and technology to achieve future goals,” Abayomi said. “Lagos is happy to partner with such initiatives that will further boost the learning and teaching process.”
The Darsel App, a cutting-edge educational tool, has played a significant role in this transformation. It is designed to assist both teachers and students by simplifying complex mathematical concepts and problems, making mathematics more accessible and engaging. Abayomi expressed his hope that these technological tools will help students develop the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of students who have effectively used the Darsel App to improve their mathematics skills. Over 10,000 students across 100 schools in Lagos have been using the app over the past 15 months. The result has been impressive, with about five million mathematics questions solved during the 2023/2024 academic year alone.
Mrs. Wunmi Tolu-Alalade, the implementation partner for Darsel in Nigeria, highlighted the significance of the award ceremony. “This event is about appreciating and recognizing the students who have utilized the Darsel learning platform effectively,” she said. “These students have shown dedication and excellence by answering thousands of math questions correctly.”
Tolu-Alalade also called for increased collaboration between the government, private sector, and educational institutions to reach more students and improve mathematics education across Lagos State. “More partnerships are needed to expand our reach and ensure every student has the opportunity to benefit from these innovative learning tools,” she added.
Abdulhamid Haidar, CEO of Darsel, shared his vision for the future of education technology. “Education technology is the future,” Haidar stated. “We are grateful to the Lagos State government for allowing us to integrate technology into teaching. We are committed to resolving any challenges faced during the initial implementation phase and are optimistic about the future.”
The awards recognized six educational district champions, with three outstanding students from Gbara Community Secondary School in Jakande emerging as the top performers in the state. These students exemplify how technology can transform learning experiences and lead to academic success.
While the integration of technology into education offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges that must be addressed. Ensuring equitable access to technology for all students is crucial, especially in a diverse and populous state like Lagos. Additionally, training teachers to effectively incorporate technology into their teaching practices is essential for maximizing its potential.
Education technology also raises questions about data privacy and security, which must be carefully managed to protect students and educators. As Lagos continues to embrace technological innovations in education, it will be important to consider these factors and strive for a balanced approach that prioritizes both innovation and responsibility.
The award ceremony in Lagos underscores the transformative power of technology in education. By embracing tools like the Darsel App, Lagos State is preparing its students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. With continued collaboration and innovation, technology has the potential to revolutionize education and equip students with the skills they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world.
