Category: Technology

…Initiative marks new phase in state’s education reform agenda 

The Kwara State Government has introduced a one-day training programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pedagogy for selected public senior secondary school teachers across the state.

The training, themed “Empowering the 21st Century Educator”, was held at the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development Resource Centre, Tanke, Ilorin.

Declaring the programme open, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, described the initiative as a turning point in Kwara’s education reform drive.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey to transform education in Kwara State and prepare our students and teachers for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world,” he said.

He urged teachers to embrace their role as “architects of transformation,” noting that AI integration is not just about technical tools but about re-imagining how knowledge is delivered in classrooms.

“Let today be the beginning of a new chapter, one where Kwara classrooms become hubs of innovation, inclusion, and inspiration,” he added.

The Commissioner praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for creating an enabling environment for innovation through sustained investment in education.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake, also applauded the Governor’s commitment to education reforms, urging participants to put the knowledge gained to practical use for the benefit of students.

Lead trainer Mrs. Fadimu Benedicta Toyosi described the workshop as a “golden opportunity” for teachers to adapt to digital realities, commending the Ministry for spearheading efforts to modernise teaching methods.

Participants expressed appreciation to the government and called for AI training to be expanded to reach more teachers across the state.

The event was attended by senior officials of the Ministry, including the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Alhaji Abduraheem Abiodun Rufai, and Director of Human Capital Development, Mrs. Oludare Olawumi Victoria.

… Governor AbdulRazaq hailed for visionary support as university showcases innovation

The Kwara State Government, in partnership with Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has unveiled converted electric vehicles as part of its drive to promote sustainable transportation and technological innovation.

At the official handing-over ceremony, the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, described the project as a landmark achievement in the state’s collaboration with KWASU. He said the initiative underscores the potential of electric vehicles to cut carbon emissions and foster eco-friendly mobility in Kwara.

Hon. Adelodun praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his visionary leadership and support, noting that training sessions for relevant staff will soon follow to ensure the smooth adoption of the new technology.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Kemi Adeoshun, also commended KWASU for conceiving and executing the project at a time when global attention is shifting towards renewable energy. She expressed gratitude to the Governor for championing forward-thinking projects that “put smiles on the faces of the people.”

Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Chairman of KWASU Holdings Committee, Prof. Kenneth Adeyemi, said the university was proud to work with the state government on a project that demonstrates Kwara’s potential in electric mobility. He described the initiative as proof of what public-private and public-public partnerships can achieve under an enabling environment.

Prof. Adeyemi explained that KWASU successfully converted scrapped petrol-powered vehicles into electric models, serving as a proof of concept for wider adoption of sustainable technologies in the state. He lauded the Governor’s infrastructure-driven vision for building a “new Kwara State.”

The initiative, jointly championed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology and KWASU, is expected to drive innovation, strengthen environmental awareness, and inspire further research into sustainable energy solutions.

Dignitaries present at the event included senior officials from the Ministry, members of KWASU Holdings Committee, representatives of the Centre for Sustainable Energy, and university management staff.

…Global Spotlight to show Kwara’s Growing Role in Africa’s Innovation Ecosystem

#KwaraRising

The Ilorin Innovation Hub has earned international recognition with a series of scheduled features on CNN throughout June, spotlighting its mission to drive technological advancement and entrepreneurship in Kwara State.

According to a statement from the Hub, the CNN segments will explore the impact of its initiatives, the vision behind its establishment, and how it is positioning Ilorin and Kwara State as emerging centers of innovation in Africa.

The broadcasts will air across various CNN programs including CNN This Morning, Early Start, and CNN News Central. Viewers are encouraged to tune in at the following times (WAT, UTC+01:00):

• Friday, June 6 – CNN This Morning – 12:59 PM
• Monday, June 9 – Early Start – 11:59 AM
• Tuesday, June 10 – CNN News Central – 1:29 PM
• Wednesday, June 11 – CNN This Morning – 12:59 PM
• Thursday, June 12 – Early Start – 11:59 AM

This CNN spotlight marks a significant milestone for the Ilorin Innovation Hub, which continues to play a transformative role in building a vibrant tech ecosystem, supporting startups, and preparing young people for the digital economy.

… KWASRRA targets full coverage as SSID registration becomes key to accessing education, government services, and economic planning

The Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWASRRA) has so far captured over 350,000 residents in its ongoing effort to create a credible database for planning, security, and economic development.

The Acting General Manager of the Agency, Mr. Tajudeen Jimoh, made the disclosure on Wednesday during the Q1 2025 Inter-ministerial Press Briefing organized by the Ministry of Communications and held at the Ministry of Finance conference room in Ilorin.

Jimoh explained that the Agency, under the directive of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is mandated to register all residents in the state and issue them unique State Security Identification (SSID) numbers and cards. He said the exercise is aimed at promoting accurate data for planning, improving access to government services, and ensuring social inclusion.

He said the registration is now being integrated into key sectors such as education and local governance. Parents, guardians, and students will be required to present their SSID numbers for examination registrations, including common entrance, JSS, and SSCE. Similarly, newly admitted students in state-owned tertiary institutions will be required to register as residents of Kwara.

The Agency is collaborating with the Ministries of Education, Tertiary Education, Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, among others, to ensure compliance with the directive and drive increased public participation in the exercise.

Providing a breakdown of progress, Jimoh noted that the number of registration centres has increased from an average of six per local government to eight, raising the total from 96 to 113 across the 16 local government areas. The Agency also recruited 200 additional ad-hoc staff, raising the workforce of registration agents from 300 to 500 to enhance coverage and efficiency.

He said the distribution of SSID cards to residents is ongoing, with more Kwarans being fully registered each day. Jimoh also noted that the registration project’s consultant now has a permanent office in Ilorin, improving service delivery and response time to complaints.

Looking ahead, the Agency plans to expand its online self-onboarding platform to include liveness checks and face-matching features. This development will enable residents, particularly pensioners and others living outside the state or country, to complete their registration without needing to appear physically.

Jimoh said that the government is determined to remove all barriers to participation, especially for vulnerable groups, and encouraged residents to register and support the state’s effort to build a functional, secure, and inclusive data system.

He recalled that all government workers and pensioners had already been captured in the database, a milestone in the state’s plan to use data to enhance governance and security.