About 600 pupils at Race Course Model Primary School in Kano are set to gain greater access to digital learning following the opening of a new ICT centre donated by ABUMET.

The glass and aluminium solutions company provided the facility as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. The centre contains 24 desktop computers, solar-powered electricity and new classroom furniture.

The intervention is expected to provide pupils with practical exposure to digital technology and strengthen computer education at the school. For many of the children, it also represents their first meaningful experience with digital learning, giving them opportunities to develop skills that could support their education as they advance through school.

Speaking during the CSR visit, ABUMET General Manager, Diemo Schillack, said the initiative was designed to help address the digital divide and ensure children from different backgrounds can access technology in an increasingly technology-driven world.

“We believe every child deserves access to quality learning tools and the opportunity to develop skills that will prepare them for the future,” Schillack said.

He added that introducing children to technology at an early stage could shape their educational journey, improve their confidence and open up opportunities beyond the classroom.

“Technology is now part of everyday life, and introducing these young learners to digital tools early gives them a stronger foundation for their education and future careers,” he said.

Schillack also thanked the pupils and teachers for their warm reception, describing their enthusiasm as inspiring.

He reaffirmed ABUMET’s commitment to education and community development, adding that the company planned to return within a year to evaluate the pupils’ progress and assess the centre’s impact.

The Head Teacher of Race Course Model Primary School, Salisu Alhassan, said the facility had significantly strengthened the school’s educational resources.

“On behalf of all stakeholders, we sincerely appreciate ABUMET for this remarkable contribution to our school,” Alhassan said.

According to him, the computers, solar power facilities and furniture would enhance teaching and learning, particularly in digital literacy.

Given the school’s large enrolment, Alhassan said pupils were divided into smaller groups so that all of them could take part in practical computer lessons.

“We organise the pupils into smaller groups so that everyone has the opportunity to participate and learn,” he said.

He explained that the programme goes beyond teaching basic computer skills, with the school seeking to help pupils understand the wider role of technology in learning and daily activities.

“We want them to understand how technology can support learning, problem-solving and everyday life,” he added.

Alhassan said pupils were already being taught how to use applications including Microsoft Office, while also developing practical skills in writing, calculations, record-keeping and information management.

He explained that computer education becomes progressively more advanced from Primary Four through Primary Six, allowing pupils to develop their digital competence before moving on to secondary school.

Established in 1996, Race Course Model Primary School has about 600 pupils across 14 classrooms and provides education from Early Childhood Care and Education (ECC) to Primary Six.

The subjects taught at the school include Mathematics, English Language, Basic Science, Basic Technology, Nigerian History, Arabic and Digital Literacy.

A major component of the new facility is its solar-powered energy system, which is intended to provide reliable electricity for the ICT centre.

The system is expected to enable pupils to use the computers and other digital learning resources without disruptions associated with unreliable power supply.

The project also highlights the role of business-education partnerships in expanding access to technology and creating improved learning opportunities.

For the pupils, the new centre provides access to 24 computers while giving them an opportunity to become familiar with technology that increasingly influences education, employment and everyday life.

Source: The Guardian