In line with the objective of preparing the state for a knowledge-based future through the use of technology to create a participative, transparent and responsive learning environment, the state government through the Oyo State Model Education System Interventions (OYOMESI) in collaboration with Technical University and WestAfricaENRG have completed plans for the hosting of a Festival of Learning, the first of its kind in Nigeria.
The learning festival, which is aimed at promoting a lifelong activity and bringing together learners, teachers, educators and businesses who are committed to improving the quality of education and learning in the state is scheduled to take place in Ibadan between 29th June and 5th July, 2018.
Dr. Bisi Akin-Alabi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, disclosed this during a press conference to herald the festival, held at the Technical University, Ibadan on Wednesday, 13th June, 2018.
She stated that the festival will be all inclusive by capitalizing on the Ibadan Learning City status conferred by UNESCO to ensure that other zones in the state become learning neighborhoods by striving to achieve the qualifying criteria for a UNESCO Learning City Progress Award.
"The Festival of Learning will allow a wider audience of teachers, educators and businesses to collaborate and network with each other, to learn new approach to classroom practices. It is an opportunity to market product and engage with other stakeholders."
While speaking on the activities marking the first anniversary of Oyo State Model Education System Intervention (OYOMESI), Dr. Akin-Alabi expressed that the first OYOMESI Hackathon competition is for tertiary institutions, technology enthusiasts and communities to proffer innovative solutions to challenge and problems on environmental issues.
She described Hackathon as a technology driven competition to tackle environmental issues, where by computer programmers, software developers, engineers, interface designers and project managers, as well as marketers and subject matter experts will come up with innovative solutions to problems.
Her words, "this will be the first ever Hackathon on environmental issues in Nigeria, and it is in furtherance of the vision of Governor Abiola Ajimobi to prepare the state for a knowledge-based future and to use technology to create a participative, transparent and responsive environment.
"This competition will take place between June 29th and July 1st, 2018 at the Technical University, Ibadan, with focus on problem-solving session to imagine and develop IT solutions that directly respond to Waste Collection Billing and Payment System, Reporting of all Illegal Dumpsites, City Enumeration and Management and Recycling Measurement and Reporting."
Dr. Akin-Alabi noted that the prize tag investment of N 2 million, N 1 million and N 700,000 have been set aside for three participants with top ideas and innovations.
In his remark, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Technical University, Ibadan, Professor Ayobami Salami, commended the collaborative effort among the state government, WestAfricaENRG and the Technical University.
He expressed that the institution was established with a unique identity within the educational emporium by the state government to ensure robust collaboration with private sector, international agencies and development partners.
Prof. Salami described the Technical University as an institution which focuses on knowledge application, innovative solution generation and institution that produces products that address everyday challenges.
He added that sharing a boundary with the circular road being constructed by the state government, makes The Technical University the gate keeper to Ibadan, the UNESCO learning city.
Prof. Salami submitted that to perform the role of gate keeping, the institution is developing and evolving as the gateway for technological transformation in Nigeria.
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