MTN Boosts Digital Literacy in Borno, Donates 750 Tablets to Schools

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has significantly bolstered the digital literacy agenda in Borno State, donating 750 digital tablets to 15 secondary schools across the state. Each of the beneficiary schools received 50 tablets during a symbolic handover ceremony held in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Wednesday.

The initiative is a crucial step in supporting the digital literacy drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and aligns with Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum’s 10-year strategic plan for educational advancement, which prioritizes computer literacy.

Speaking at the event, Tijanni Salihu, MTN’s Acting Managing Director for Borno, Yobe, and Gombe states, urged school principals and teachers to view the tablets not merely as tools but as catalysts for igniting curiosity and promoting learning in new and engaging ways.

“This ceremony represents more than the distribution of digital devices. It reflects our shared commitment to education, innovation, and opportunity for every child, no matter where they live,” Salihu stated. He emphasized MTN’s core belief that everyone deserves a modern, connected life.

Salihu also revealed that the broader initiative was conceived by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who had requested MTN to donate tablets to secondary schools across Nigeria. As part of this nationwide vision, MTN Nigeria has procured a total of 4,600 digital learning tablets for distribution to public secondary schools.

The Borno State Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, expressed profound gratitude to MTN for the gesture. He highlighted that the donation would undoubtedly play a significant role in advancing the state’s educational objectives, particularly in equipping students with the essential skills needed to compete in the global economy.

To ensure transparency and equitable distribution, Salihu noted that the Borno State government was given the responsibility of selecting the beneficiary schools, with criteria designed to ensure a wide spread across all 27 local government areas. Students were urged to leverage the devices to pursue their dreams and explore the vast opportunities available in the digital age.