AOT Advocates Technology-Driven Education for Girls as Key to Kwara’s Future

 

By Felix Ajide

Governorship aspirant and education advocate, Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT), has called for increased investment in technology-driven education for girls, describing digital empowerment as a critical foundation for the future development and prosperity of Kwara State.

Dr. Alabi made the call while delivering a keynote address at the InnovatHER STEM Workshop organised by the Love for Change Women’s Foundation (LCWF), where over 100 students from various secondary schools across Ilorin metropolis participated.

Speaking on the theme, “Empowering the Girl-Child Through Technology as a Foundation for Kwara’s Future,” AOT said the state’s long-term growth would depend largely on how well its young people, particularly girls, are equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Represented by the Head of the AOT Media Team, Christie Doyin (JP), the governorship aspirant noted that technology now underpins virtually every sector of society, including education, healthcare, agriculture, business, governance and communication.

He stressed that deliberate investment in girls’ education and digital skills would not only promote gender inclusion but also produce innovators, entrepreneurs and professionals capable of driving sustainable development across the state.

“The development of Kwara State is closely linked to how effectively we prepare our young people, especially our girls, for the opportunities and challenges of the digital age,” he said.

Toyin Alabi observed that many talented girls across communities such as Ilorin, Offa, Omu-Aran, Patigi, Igbaja, Omupo, Lafiagi and Kaiama possess enormous potential but often lack the opportunities and resources needed to fully develop their abilities.

According to him, education must go beyond the acquisition of certificates to equipping young people with practical knowledge, confidence and digital competencies required to compete in today’s rapidly evolving global economy.

He noted that access to technology and digital literacy could empower girls to excel in science, engineering, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education and other strategic sectors.
“When a girl gains access to quality education and technological skills, she becomes empowered to participate actively in the modern economy and contribute meaningfully to society,” he stated.

The governorship hopeful expressed concern that many girls, particularly those in rural communities, continue to face barriers such as poverty, inadequate educational facilities, limited access to computers and internet connectivity, child labour, early marriage and societal stereotypes that discourage them from pursuing careers in science and technology.

He said addressing these challenges requires the collective commitment of parents, educators, traditional and religious leaders, government institutions, the private sector and development partners.

AOT advocated increased scholarship opportunities for indigent girls, improved technology-equipped learning facilities, the establishment of computer laboratories and digital innovation centres in underserved communities, as well as mentorship programmes and expanded access to coding, robotics, artificial intelligence and vocational technology training.

He further called for stronger partnerships to expand digital opportunities for girls across the state, noting that investing in their education would help reduce poverty, promote gender equality, stimulate economic growth and accelerate sustainable development.

“An educated and digitally empowered girl today becomes an innovative and productive woman tomorrow. She is better positioned to create jobs, support her family, build businesses and contribute to community development,” he added.

Alabi also urged parents to encourage their daughters to embrace technology and lifelong learning, while calling on educators to create learning environments that inspire girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

He challenged governments and relevant stakeholders to sustain investments in educational infrastructure, internet connectivity, innovation hubs and digital learning centres.

“The next software engineer, technology entrepreneur, artificial intelligence specialist, inventor, professor, medical researcher—or even the next Governor of Kwara State—may be sitting in this classroom today,” he said.

Earlier, the Founder of the Love for Change Women’s Foundation (LCWF), Mrs. Modupeola Bello Olukoya, said the organisation remains committed to empowering the girl-child through programmes focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

She explained that the foundation has inspired many girls to pursue STEM-related disciplines and encouraged participants from various secondary schools to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop to acquire practical skills and broaden their career aspirations.

Also speaking, Dr. Adebusola Jane Ogunmodede delivered a keynote lecture on leadership and emotional intelligence, urging the students to build self-confidence, develop emotional intelligence, practise self-discipline and cultivate healthy interpersonal relationships in pursuit of their aspirations.

The workshop also featured practical robotics and STEM sessions coordinated by Mr Ayodele Gabriel, Mrs. Peace Ajao and Mrs Ladanu Beulah

Participants received gifts and were inducted as STEM ambassadors, reinforcing the organisers’ commitment to nurturing a new generation of digitally empowered female leaders.