The Minister of Education, Prof. Ryqayyatu Rufa’I, has called on investors to partner with the Federal Government to create an enabling learning environment in the country.
Rufa’I made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the First Worldview Educational Technology and Learning Resources Expo 2012 with the theme: “Changing Education in our Region'', organised by Worldview International.
She said that the Nigerian education system was driven by market demand and its standard of economic competition relied upon producing young people whose education had imbued them with up-to-the-minute skills.
“Nigeria is a nation with a passion for education in spite of the challenges before us, the value we place on education and knowledge cannot be over emphasised.
“Our students must have the imagination and motivation to be able to transfer their skills easily across a multitude of disciplines.
“Thus these educational materials, when accessed would go a long way to enhance the sector.''
Rufa’I said that the ministry would invest in state-of-the-art equipment; the latest technologies and learning resources fit for the 21 century.
She said that quality products, with longevity was what Nigeria needed, and urged investors to use the rare opportunities to form relationships and to consider establishing local hubs in Nigeria.
The minister thanked the organisers for bringing the international exposition to Nigeria for the first time.
She also encouraged education stakeholders to use the opportunity granted by the exhibition to equip themselves with materials used globally.
The minister, who later inspected the equipment being exhibited by the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), said the equipment was critical to the needs of the local curriculum.
Earlier Mr Dominic Obe, the Director-General, British Educational Suppliers Association, said the exhibitors brought the best resources for teaching at all levels of education to show case to Nigerian education stakeholders.
“With increased globalisation and competition in the world, we need to provide our young ones with the tool to survive.
“This is knowledge, which combines traditional learning methods with good technology and learning resources.''
Mr Afolabi Obembe, the Manager of Worldview International and the organiser of the event, said that with the current economic condition in the country, this was the best time to invest quality technology.
Obembe said there was the need for Federal Government to invest in the education sector to purchase modern equipment that would help students keep abreast with the global standards. (NAN)