Bayelsa Education Trust Fund equips 12 Schools with computers, kits for coding and robotics

Mr Gentle Emelah, (Middle) Bayelsa Commissioner for Education presenting a laptop computer and kits for coding and robotics to Principal of Nembe National Grammar School, while Mrs Alice Atuwo, Executive Secretary, Bayelsa Educational Development Trust Fund looks on.

The Bayelsa Educational Development Trust Fund (EDTF) on Wednesday distributed computers and accessories for coding and robotics practicals to 12 model schools across the right local governments in Bayelsa.

Dr Gentle Emelah, Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa , who presented the items to benefitting school principals, reiterated the commitment of the state government to providing quality education in all parts of the state.

He said the presentation of the materials followed an earlier training of 103 students on computer programming and robotics adding that the equipment would provide an opportunity for students to have practical training.

He urged the principals to make the computers and materials available to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) teachers who had been trained earlier on coding and robotics.

The occasion also witnessed the grand finale of Schools Debate, sponsored by EDTF for 32 schools from the 8 council areas in Bayelsa.

Speaking earlier, Executive Secretary of EDTF Dr Alice Atuwo said the fund was intervening in critical segments of the educational sector, including support for schools debate.

She noted that schools debate helps to develop public speaking and communications skills amongst young students in their quest for knowledge.

She said that debate builds self confidence of participating students, adding that most world leaders developed public speaking skill through school debate.

Prof Francis Ikoki, Acting Chairman of EDTF advised the students to maximise the opportunity to develop their public speaking skills which they will find useful later in life.

Also Chief Fidelis Agbiki, Regent of Tarakiri clan in Bayelsa and Chairman of the Publicity Committee of EDTF said he was a product of schools debate and got a scholarship by late Military Administrator of Midwest region Samuel Ogbemudia  for his outstanding performance in debate over 55  years ago.

Government Comprehensive Secondary School Tumgbo, Sagbama Local Government Area (LGA) won the first prize of N100,000 and a trophy while Community Secondary School Ekeremor in Ekeremor LGA clinched the second prize of N70,000 and a trophy.

Bayelsa State Sports Academy, Asuama in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA finished third and got a prize of N40,000 and a trophy while Government Model Secondary School Twon-Brass in Brass LGA came fourth and got a prize of N30,000 and a trophy.