The National Association of Colleges of Education Students (NANCES) has lauded former Senator for Akwa Ibom North East, Senator Effiong Dickson Bob, “for his visionary leadership, foresight, and commitment towards the advancement of digital education in Nigeria through his instrumental integration of the Electronic Education Initiative (EDON).”
At a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, NANCES National President, Comrade Kur Isaac Ushahemba, said Senator Bob advanced digital education during his tenure as Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of University of Benin, saying he saw through a project that is quickly revolutionising the classroom education, being implemented across the nation.
He said: “History will continue to remember Senator Effiong Bob as one of the foremost national leaders who saw the future of education beyond the conventional classroom system and took bold steps toward integrating technology into teaching and learning processes.
“This initiative and his consideration and engagement with EDON into UNIBEN laid the foundation for what has today become one of the transformative digital education platforms across Colleges of Education in Nigeria.
“Today, EDON has become a household name within Nigeria’s educational sector, especially in Colleges of Education, where it continues to simplify teaching and learning, improve accessibility to academic resources, enhance digital literacy among students and lecturers, and prepare Nigerian students to compete favorably with their counterparts across the globe.
“NANCES firmly believes that this remarkable transformation in digital learning would not have been possible without the long-term vision, courage, and strategic leadership demonstrated by Senator Effiong Bob at the time.
“His foresight has contributed immensely to the modernisation of Nigeria’s educational system and the gradual transition into a technologically-driven academic environment.
“We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Management of EDON for its consistency, innovation, and commitment to transforming tertiary education in Nigeria.
“The impact already being felt across Colleges of Education is a clear indication that the future of digital education in Nigeria is bright and promising.
“NANCES is positive that, with sustained collaboration and support, all tertiary institutions across Nigeria will soon experience full digital transformation through innovative platforms such as EDON.
“Once again, we salute Senator Effiong Bob for this noble legacy and for his immeasurable contribution to the future of education in Nigeria. It is our submission that the government considers visionary leaders like Senator Bob, who in a time when many embraced the status quo, saw a future for a country to impact its students, its youth and its future labour force.”