We’ve Supported Over 30,000 Students with Free Learning Opportunities in Osun – TTAI

A non-governmental organization, the Teens Awareness Initiative, (TTAI)has disclosed that it has supported over 30,000 young people by providing them with opportunities for free learning across Osun State.

The disclosure was made at a programme tagged “Enhancing Quality Education,” organized for secondary school students at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo, on Saturday.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the organisation, Rhoda Israel, said the group currently operates a free learning platform developed by UNICEF, which is accessible to students across the state.

Mrs. Israel explained that the initiative provides free digital learning access to students in Osun State, adding that efforts are ongoing to ensure the availability of digital learning facilities in all schools across the state.

According to her, “Our aim is to ensure that every child and young person has access to quality education that prepares them for the future, helps them maximise their potential, and connects them to opportunities.

“Our six-year journey has been one of impact, purpose, success, and progress. Over the years, we have evolved by leveraging partnerships and support from governments, individuals, and international organisations.

“We expanded into education campaigns, scholarships, free tutorials, and mentorship programmes, and we are currently implementing a UNICEF-funded intervention that is leading in digital literacy in Nigeria.

“Since inception, we have reached over 30,000 young people, giving them opportunities for free learning. We now have a free learning platform developed by UNICEF that is accessible to all students in Osun State,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, the Director of Programmes and Vice President of the Teens Awareness Initiative, Mr. Gbenga Oloke, urged students to make effective use of digital learning opportunities to secure a brighter future.

Oloke advised parents and residents of the state to ensure that their children have access to digital learning, noting that despite the negative aspects of social media, digital platforms also offer immense educational benefits.

“For students, always ensure you take advantage of the opportunities rather than the disadvantages,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has reiterated its commitment to digitising public primary and secondary schools across the state.

According to the Executive Secretary, Ministry of Education, Osogbo Zone, Mrs. Adeoye Abidemi, the ministry has partnered with the Teens Awareness Initiative in secondary schools to implement the Nigeria Learning Passport, which enables students to study independently beyond the classroom.

She noted that because the curriculum aligns with the learning passport, it has contributed significantly to improved performance in external examinations.

“UBEC, SUBEB, and the Osun State Government are working to digitise all our primary schools. When we visit schools, we find computers available for pupils, and teachers are assigned to teach them. However, the major challenge we face is theft, which is why the Ministry of Education has called on all baales and monarchs to help secure our schools,” she said.