New ICT Centre Signals Hope for Digital Education in Benue State

Keystone Bank has strengthened efforts to advance digital education in Nigeria with the donation of a fully equipped ICT centre to Government Model School in Makurdi, Benue State, as part of initiatives aligned with Sustainable Development Goals Goal 4 on quality education.

The facility, unveiled last Thursday, is designed to bridge critical gaps in digital infrastructure and expand access to technology-driven learning within the institution.

Delivered under the bank’s Education Support Initiative, the refurbished ICT centre features modern digital tools, including laptops, workstations, ergonomic seating, air-conditioning systems, an inverter-powered electricity supply, and a dedicated ICT hall to support both teaching and learning activities.

Speaking during the handover, the Executive Director, North and Public Sector, Abubakar Usman Bello, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to expanding access to digital resources, particularly in underserved communities.

He described education as a cornerstone of societal progress, noting that investments in learning infrastructure are critical to nurturing future leaders and driving national development.

Also speaking, the Regional Head, North, Bala Umar, said the intervention directly supports global targets on inclusive and equitable education, adding that access to ICT facilities is vital for preparing students for a technology-driven economy.

Representing Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Serumun Abeeh, commended the initiative, describing it as a strong example of impactful collaboration between the private sector and government in advancing human capital development.

She urged other organisations to replicate similar interventions to accelerate sustainable development in the education sector.

In his remarks, the school’s principal, Robert Apir, described the ICT centre as a transformative addition that would enhance academic delivery, support digital examinations, and significantly improve computer literacy among students and staff.

He also acknowledged the support of the Benue State Ministry of Education and assured stakeholders of proper maintenance and optimal utilisation of the facility.

Other dignitaries present at the event included the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu; Commissioner for Science and Technology, James Dwem; Commissioner for Information and Communication Technology, Kwaghgba Amande; and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Branch Controller, Olabitan Adebowale.

The initiative underscores growing private sector involvement in improving educational infrastructure and promoting digital literacy across Nigeria’s school system.