Israel has donated a computer classroom and accessories worth $100, 000 to Nigeria, to boost effective teaching and learning in the nation’s education sector.
Mr Yotam Kreiman, Charge d’ Affairs of Israel to Nigeria, while donating the educational facility on Tuesday in Abuja, said that the gesture was in commemoration of Theodor Benjamin Ze’ev Herzl.
The building which houses 20 pieces of computer, projector, reading tables and chairs, library books and other learning accessories was donated to GSS Senior Secondary School, Apo Resettlement, located in Abuja.
According to Yotam, also Acting Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, the classroom was donated under the auspices of Israel Herzl’s s project, as way of supporting Nigeria in the education sector.
Yotam said, “This donation is in memory of Herzl, the visionary who fought for the emergence of a Jewish Homeland, now known today as the State of Israel.
“It is my honor to represent Israel in Nigeria, humbly and respectfully, for the benefit and prosperity of both nations; Israel recently marked 61st anniversary of diplomatic relations and friendship with Nigeria.
“I am proud to note with satisfaction Israel and Nigeria have successful collaborations in the field of education, security, agriculture, technology and innovation that exists between our countries today.
“It is important to emphasis on education and innovation; create place where children can learn; this fully equipped computer classroom will facilitate development and enhancement of the students’ computer skills.
“Which is necessary to encourage innovation for students; access to technology enables accelerated learning and opportunities to practice what they learn.”
He explained that the facility would encourage the students to explore new subjects and deepen their understanding of difficult concepts, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
He disclosed that the project would not have been possible without the cooperation and partnership of: the Africa Division of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Skill-G Nigeria Ltd. and the Innov8 hub.
Also speaking, Dr Yahaya Musa, Chairman of FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB), expressed appreciation to Israeli Embassy, saying the gesture would help the students improve in their teaching and learning.
He said ”The school facility that we have received today is a right step in the right direction towards enhancement of education sector.
“There is no gainsaying to the fact that this is an age of information and technology, the world is a global village and what happens to one part of it, also affects the other parts.
“When we look at the issue of COVID-19 pandemic which spreads like wild fire, the situation is posing concern to our education system and other sectors of our economy.
“This is why the gestures we are receiving from Israel today will go into the annals of the history of SEB that we cannot forget the State of Israel.
“The Minister of FCT, Malam Muhammed Bello, is very happy with what you have done and assures to maximize the facility and ensure the students maximize its full benefit of it.”
He noted that Nigerians are often celebrated on ground of their educational attainment globally; adding that Israel donation of the facility would further boost such achievement for the country.
Meanwhile, the Director/Secretary of SEB, Mrs Nanre Emeje, commended donation of the classroom as timely, adding that efforts were being made to improve the learning and teaching facilities within the school.
”This is what we do at SEB; such that we throw our doors open to allow for inputs that could better the lots of our students.
“We have thrown the corridors of our doors open, if you want to donate a borehole in future, you want to paint a our classrooms, come and lets discuss.
“When we are sure of whom you are, we let our doors open and then you can come and do; it might interest you that we have 88 Senior Secondary Schools as at today in the FCT.
“This school is just a drop in an ocean, so we have 88 Senior Secondary Schools and some are in rural areas, we need a lot of assistance,” Emeje said.
She, therefore, assured of working closely with the embassy as regards capacity building for the teachers in senior secondary schools in the FCT.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the school which comprises 1123 female and 679 male students have the total of 1802. (NAN)
