Twenty public secondary schools in Ekiti State have received internet routers with complimentary data subscriptions for one year as part of efforts to strengthen digital learning and improve students’ access to educational resources.
The initiative, sponsored by Focused Team Foundation with funding from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with MTN, is designed to provide students and teachers with improved internet access for teaching, learning and research.
According to a report by Punch Newspapers published on Friday, October 9, 2026, each beneficiary school received an internet router alongside a monthly data subscription of 30GB initially and 32GB subsequently during the one-year period.
The intervention is expected to support classroom activities, improve access to online learning materials and expose students to educational information beyond what is available in their textbooks.
The presentation took place in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, with the Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, describing reliable internet connectivity as an important part of modern teaching and learning.
She commended the organisations behind the initiative for supporting the state government’s efforts to improve digital education in public schools.
Beneficiary schools to gain access to online resources
Among the schools listed as beneficiaries are Ekiti State Government College, Ikere-Ekiti; Government College, Ado-Ekiti; Gbemisola Olowolafe Memorial Grammar School, Are-Ekiti; Ado Community High School; All Souls Anglican High School; CAC High School; and Corpus Christi College, Ilawe-Ekiti.
The provision of internet routers is expected to help teachers and students access digital learning platforms, research materials and other educational resources that can support academic activities.
With internet connectivity, teachers may also be able to introduce students to additional learning materials, online research and digital tools that complement classroom lessons.
The commissioner urged the beneficiary schools to ensure that the facilities are used primarily for teaching, learning and research. She also called on school authorities to maintain the equipment properly to ensure that it remains useful throughout the programme.
Aderiye said the initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to creating an environment that supports effective teaching and prepares students for the demands of the digital age.
MTN says programme will expand
Speaking at the presentation, MTN Senior Lead, Sales and Trade Department, Isaiah Akinbaani, explained that the programme was designed to improve internet connectivity in schools across Nigeria.
He said the initiative would make digital and real-life learning experiences more accessible, help bridge knowledge gaps and allow learners to obtain information about developments beyond their immediate classroom environment.
Akinbaani also disclosed that the 20 schools represented the pilot phase of the programme in Ekiti State. The initiative is expected to be expanded to cover more schools across the state.
If implemented successfully, the expansion could extend digital learning opportunities to additional students and teachers, particularly in public schools where access to reliable internet services may be limited.
Other officials present at the event included the State Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Tope Akomolede, and the State Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, Yewande Adesua.
Digital learning remains a priority
Access to digital resources has become increasingly important in education, as students require opportunities to develop research, information technology and other digital skills.
Internet-enabled learning can help students explore subjects more widely, access educational materials and become familiar with technology used in higher education and the workplace.
However, the effectiveness of the programme will depend on consistent connectivity, responsible use of the facilities, proper maintenance of the routers and the availability of suitable learning materials.
Schools will also need to ensure that students use the internet for educational purposes and that teachers incorporate available digital resources into classroom activities.
The one-year data subscription provides an opportunity for the beneficiary schools to integrate online learning into their academic programmes while assessing the benefits of improved connectivity.
The planned expansion of the initiative could further strengthen access to digital education in Ekiti State if additional schools receive similar support.
The programme represents a partnership between government education authorities, development organisations and the telecommunications sector to improve learning opportunities through technology.
