FASHINA SHAKIRU
A US-based multinational company, Digital Learning Network, and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Lagos, on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the transformation of the artificial intelligence smart schools initiative for the average student in Nigeria.
The MoU will facilitate the provision of educational infrastructure, the launch of one laptop per learner, and the integration of technology in learning, enhancing the capacity of teachers and educational administrators and improving overall learning outcomes.
At the signing ceremony on Thursday in Lagos, the president of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Lagos, High Chief Alaka Yusuf, said this signing of the agreement is to introduce a one-laptop-per-learner programme, aiming to equip every child with the necessary tools for a digitally-driven future.
NAPPS Lagos president stated “We are not marking a milestone; we are ushering in a new era of learning and innovation for private schools across Lagos state. The world is rapidly evolving, and education must evolve with it. The one laptop per learner programme is more just a vision; it’s a commitment to providing every child with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world”.
He described the signing of the agreement as a “game changer” initiative bridging the gap between traditional learning and 21st-century education.
“With a laptop in the hands of every learner, we are fostering creativity, critical thinking, and global competitiveness. It empowers not only our students but also our educators, enhancing teaching methodologies and outcomes.”
According to Alaka, “As NAPPS Lagos State, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that private schools lead the way in academic excellence and innovation. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to preparing our children for a future driven by technology”.
The CEO & President of DLN, Mr. Thomas Larmena, said DLN Digital Learning Network Inc. (USA) partners with NAPPS Lagos to embrace the future of education in artificial intelligence-powered transformation at zero cost to NAPPS, the government, and no added expense to the average student.The launch of its groundbreaking digital transformation in education in Nigeria’s education sector, financed entirely by private capital, aims to improve education quality, promote social inclusion, and drive economic growth without government or NAPPS Lagos funding.
He emphasised that the $1 billion project, funded by DLN Inc., aims to provide digital learning solutions to over 5 million private school students in Lagos State, including AI-powered platforms, laptops, and digital literacy training to NAPPS Lagos’ educational initiatives, enhancing access, engagement, and communication among students, parents, and schools, while also contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and social inclusion. DLN plans to build assembly facilities in Nigeria to provide laptops and affordable data for over 40 million students, creating 2,400 new jobs and 1,400 instructor jobs through its disruptive business model.
Larmena noted that DLN is in discussions with Lagos State to replicate and scale up its $1.2 billion digitally enabled and inclusive education project nationwide. The company will leverage SpaceX and Starlink connectivity for high-speed internet at every school and is building partnerships with a local telecom company to expand internet access beyond campuses.
DCN is committed to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the success of digital transformation projects in Nigeria’s education sector, aiming to provide quality education comparable to developed countries, Larmena concluded.
The signing ceremony, which took place at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, was also attended by DLN and NAPPS management, highlighting the broad support and collaboration behind this initiative.