Says initiative to boost rural digital literacy
Ambassador-designate to South Korea, Senator Nora Daduut, who represented Plateau South in the 9th National Assembly, has donated a Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Computer-Based Test, CBT, centre to her constituency to enhance access to examination facilities and address low digital literacy among rural students.
She also ordered the immediate training of students drawn from several secondary schools in the community in Information and Communication Technology, ICT, as part of efforts to equip young people with practical digital skills.
Senator Daduut said the initiative was aimed at empowering children in rural communities with basic computer knowledge, noting that many students still lack the digital competence required to thrive in today’s education system and computer-based examinations.
She explained that the intervention was informed by challenges observed during the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, where several candidates struggled to use computer-based facilities due to fear and limited exposure to ICT tools.
According to her, the development underscores the urgent need to expose young people, particularly those in rural areas, to computer education at an early stage, stressing that digital literacy has become essential for modern learning and examinations.
She disclosed that the CBT centre, built in her honour and donated by her grandchildren, is located in Kwala community of Quan’pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The senator said the facility would serve not only as a JAMB examination centre but also as a training hub where students and community members can acquire essential digital skills ahead of future examinations.
“It will help students overcome their fear of computers and build confidence in using digital tools, which are now central to modern learning and assessment,” she said.
Senator Daduut added that she had previously facilitated a similar ICT centre in Namu community, which was equipped with computers and learning tools to support digital education for young people.
She noted that the latest project is a continuation of her commitment to grassroots educational development and youth empowerment through ICT.
She further said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which she noted is focused on expanding opportunities for young Nigerians and preparing them for a technology-driven global economy.
According to her, the administration’s emphasis on innovation and digital inclusion informed her resolve to deepen ICT access at the grassroots level.
Daduut also said the project is designed to bridge the gap between rural and urban students, giving them equal opportunity to compete favourably with their peers in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Speaking while commissioning the centre, the traditional ruler of Kwala Moeda District, Hon. Paul Donglong, commended the senator for what he described as a significant contribution to community development.
He urged youths and residents to take ownership of the facility and maximise its benefits.
Beneficiaries of the project also applauded the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, especially for rural students who often lack access to ICT infrastructure.
One of the beneficiaries, Fabian Shalong, said the centre would significantly improve digital awareness and better prepare candidates for computer-based examinations.
Boemfu Timothy another beneficiary said the ICT centre would serve as a catalyst for educational advancement and long-term digital empowerment in the area, while encouraging sustained investment in rural education infrastructure.