The Ondo State Government has intensified its drive toward a smarter and more technology-driven education system with renewed commitment to teacher empowerment and digital learning innovation across the state.

The Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, disclosed this during a three-day training programme organised for Smart School teachers at the Smart School, Owo, in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The training focused on Localized E-Learning Content Development, the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS), and the inauguration of the Smart School Digital Literacy and Coding Club. It was designed to equip teachers with practical digital skills to enhance classroom delivery and improve learner engagement.

Represented at the event by the Full-Time Member I of SUBEB, Princess Olufunmilayo Ademulegun-Brown, Olabimtan said the initiative is part of a sustained strategy to continuously improve Smart Schools in Ondo State.

He explained that the programme is not a one-off intervention but an annual capacity-building effort aimed at strengthening teachers’ digital competence and promoting innovation in teaching and learning.

According to him, the training is designed to empower teachers with modern tools that will enable them to deliver more engaging, flexible, and inclusive instruction while encouraging students to think creatively beyond traditional classroom methods.

“These initiatives provide our teachers with the tools and knowledge to deliver engaging, flexible, and inclusive instruction that meets the diverse needs of our learners, while also inspiring them to think beyond traditional classroom boundaries,” he said.

Olabimtan commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and development partners, including the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), for their continued support in strengthening the education sector and advancing digital learning initiatives in the state.

He urged participants to take full advantage of the training by actively engaging in sessions, asking questions, and adopting innovative approaches that would improve their teaching methods.

He also stressed the importance of sustaining initiatives such as Robotics and Coding Clubs, noting that they are essential in preparing students for a future driven by technology and innovation.

In her goodwill message, the Ondo State Coordinator of UBEC, Mrs. Olanike Adams, emphasized the importance of teachers in driving educational transformation through innovation and resilience.

She noted that localized e-learning content development makes teaching more relevant to students’ environments, thereby improving understanding and participation in the classroom.

Mrs. Adams also encouraged teachers to make effective use of Learning Management Systems to enhance collaboration, track learner progress, and improve instructional delivery.

She reaffirmed the commitment of stakeholders to building a smarter and more inclusive education system that equips learners with relevant 21st-century skills.

Speaking on behalf of SUBEB management, the Permanent Secretary, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, highlighted the importance of blended learning, which integrates traditional classroom teaching with digital platforms.

She explained that the approach enhances engagement, flexibility, and accessibility in education delivery while enabling teachers to adopt more interactive and technology-based methods.

According to her, the integration of digital tools and Learning Management Systems will not only improve teaching outcomes but also strengthen the resilience of the education system in adapting to technological advancements.

One of the facilitators, Mr. Tobi Victor of Blass College, Akure, said the training was carefully structured to equip teachers with practical skills in digital education delivery.

He listed the areas covered to include Learning Management Systems (LMS), blended learning strategies, virtual classroom management, ICT tools for teaching, online assessment systems, content development, and multimedia integration.

He explained that the programme is a critical step toward building a future-ready education system where teachers are fully equipped to deliver innovative, learner-centred instruction.

A Smart School system, he noted, is a technology-driven educational model that integrates digital classrooms, smart tools, and automated processes to improve teaching, learning, and school administration.

It enhances engagement, simplifies administrative processes, and equips students with digital literacy and critical thinking skills needed in today’s fast-changing world.

Stakeholders at the event reaffirmed that sustained investment in teacher training and digital infrastructure remains key to achieving a fully modernised and technology-driven education system in Ondo State.