Edge Technologies donates computers to 2 schools in Ogbomoso -'Computer can make you phenomenon," CEO says

Edge Technologies donates computers to 2 schools in Ogbomoso –‘Computer can make you phenomenon,” CEO says

Yinka ADETUNJI

In its efforts to bolster digital literacy especially among students of secondary schools Edge Technologies has donated computer sets to two public secondary schools in Ogbomoso Oyo state.

The presentations took place Friday at each of the schools – Emmanuel Agboola Baptist Grammar School, EABGS, (Government Technical College Road) and Molete Community High School (Oke-Arada).

Prof Akanbi CEO of Edge Technologies

Recall the firm previously gifted computer systems to Peoples Girls Grammar School, in Ibadan in April.

In his remark principal of EABGS, Mr. Olufemi Ogunlana, expressed gratitude to Edge Technologies noting the firm’s gesture would help bridge the gap in digital literacy in the school.

Mr. Ogunlana who was recently appointed principal and assumed duty in the school a little over a month ago, enthused the gesture was timely taking cognisance of the federal government’s directive to exam bodies in Nigeria to transit to Computer-Based Test (CBT).

From right: Prof Akanbi, Mr Femi Ogunlana (principal of EABGS), Mrs. Tanimola (a vice principal), Mr. Samson Ogundipe (vice principal administration) and Dr. Dele Oyedokun (Permanent Secretary/Inspector General of Education Ogbomoso Zone 1)

He described the Chief Executive Officer of Edge Technologies Professor Seyi Akanbi as an acquaintance of long standing who overcame several odds to attain success, assuring the school would utilise the opportunity to improve the skills of their students in the field of ICT.

“Today marks another history-making day in this school. We thank Edge Technologies for making it happen. It’s a significant thrust for the school in travelling the route of the future. Digitilization is becoming the in-thing, and in such a world, digital literacy is inevitable for anyone who will maximise the advantages of the emerging world. The Federal Government has announced, unambiguously, that WAEC, NECO and NABTEB will transit to CBT as from next year. That is a hint of what tomorrow holds, if not in 2026, it is as sure as daybreak that digital exams is the future.

“Edge Technologies has thus kick-started the revolution in our school, it is monumental. We are grateful. This is the beginning. So, we still have a long way to go. We see this as a profitable partnership being forged. And we are believing your assistance will not stop here. We believe this is phase one, the firm will be magnanimous in improving this computer lab dedicated to it, in terms of more computers (our students population is about 600), internet connectivity and so on.

“We assure the firm that we will make the best use of this centre to achieve your aim of bolstering digital literacy among our students towards bettering their life. This certainly will make this school a crucible for tech savvy individuals and icons of the future.”

Ogunlana similarly expressed appreciation to the Oyo state governor Engr Seyi Makinde saying his policy in education is remarkably advancing the educational frontiers in the state. He underlined Governor Makinde’s programmes in the educational sector have become fuel driving the moulding of tech savvy students.

“We thank His Excellency the Governor of Oyo State Engr Seyi Makinde for his invaluable roles in expanding the frontiers of education in the state, which is opening numerous opportunities to build ebullient youths that will shape the future.”

The school presents Certificate of Appreciation to the benefactor

The principal reiterated his call for further support from the firm, and other individuals and groups asserting the contributions of individuals would be a legacy that would endure.

CEO of Edge Technologies Prof Akanbi noted government could not solve societal problems alone while urgng everyone to “lift the society and make this country better for everyone.”

Akanbi an Adjunct Professor at the University of the District of Columbia, Washington DC, where he teaches discovery technology, emerging technologies, and multimedia technology and a senior e-learning specialist supporting human resources, disclosed he got immersed into the world of computer “by renting a computer at N3, 500 per month to operate a computer centre at Alokomaro area Ogbomoso. So, from there l grew. However, taking that step is what set my ground in what God has helped us to achieve today.”

He charged the students to embrace the opportunity of having access to computers to gain skills and improve their lives.

“So, l am saying this to challenge us that having access to computers can make a huge difference in your life, it can actually set everyone on the clear path of becoming a phenomenon in the next couple of years. I challenge you to key into this, because you have unlimited opportunity if you embrace the power of computer.”

Representing the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Rev’d. Dr. Dele Oyedokun, the Permanent Secretary/Inspector General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone 1, praised the donation as a timely intervention that aligns with the state’s vision of modernized, tech-driven education.

“This is the kind of private-sector partnership we need. It complements government efforts and brings lasting value to our education system,” he stated.

Also, he urged the school management to ensure maintenance of the facility and make it useful to the students, stressing, “Don’t lock up the place please, this facility will touch many other people’s lives.”

The Parent-Teacher Association PTA chairman of the school Mr. Kolawole Olajide also expressed gratitude to the donor and the school management, pledging further support of the association even as he urged students to avail themselves of the opportunity.

As a mark of appreciation and recognition EABGS named the computer lab “Edge Technologies Digital Centre.”

At Molete Community High School, the principal, Mrs. Sonny-Egbeahie TO, in the same vein expressed heartfelt appreciation to Professor Akanbi, revealing he’s the first alumnus to add value to the school.

“You are the first old student to do something this tangible for the school since I assumed office, and we deeply appreciate it,” she remarked.

The Edge Technologies last Saturday held a highly impactful summit in Ibadan, themed, “Reskill, reinvent, rise,” which empowered hundreds of participants both onsite and online, this further demonstrates its commitment to digital literacy.

A speech delivered by Mr Olufemi Ogunlana, principal of Emmanuel Agboola Baptist Grammar School, Government Technical College Road, JK Atanda Layout, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Nigeria, at the presentation of Computer Laboratory/Digital Centre to the school by Edge Technologies, on June 27, 2025.

Protocols

Today marks another history-making day in this school. We thank Edge Technologies for making it happen. It’s a significant thrust for the school in travelling the route of the future. Digitilization is becoming the in-thing, and in such a world, digital literacy is inevitable for anyone who will maximise the advantages of the emerging world. The Federal Government has announced, unambiguously, that WAEC, NECO and NABTEB will transit to CBT as from next year. That is a hint of what tomorrow holds, if not in 2026, it is as sure as daybreak that digital exams is the future, moreover when it holds immense opportunities to curb the menace of exam malpractices. JAMB is a model in this. If not next year, in the nearest future this will be achieved.

Edge Technologies has thus kick-started the revolution in our school, it is monumental. We are grateful. This is the beginning. So, we still have a long way to go. We see this as a profitable partnership being forged. And we are believing your assistance will not stop here. I spoke with the CEO of Edge Technologies, Dr Seyi Akanbi, we have been together for long, he is a brother who exemplifies the proverbial story of grass to grace, he rose from being a graphic artist to becoming a professor, an artificial intelligence (AI) expert of global reckoning, an icon, an entrepreneur, monothecnic proprietor, a philanthropist and many noble things, dedicated to noble causes. He assured the organisation will further render technical assistance through founding of a computer society in the school, training and so on, we hold on to this. So, we believe this is phase one, the firm will be magnanimous in improving this computer lab dedicated to it, in terms of more computers (our students population is about 600), internet connectivity and so on. Nonetheless, we are extremely grateful for the one we have received, you have awakened something in us, you have helped us laid the foundation, that we and other like-minded individuals and groups will build upon.

We assure the firm that we will make the best use of this centre to achieve your aim of bolstering digital literacy among our students towards bettering their life. This certainly will make this school a crucible for tech savvy individuals and icons of the future.

We thank His Excellency the Governor of Oyo State Engr Seyi Makinde for his invaluable roles in expanding the frontiers of education in the state, which is opening numerous opportunities to build ebullient youths that will shape the future. More power to the elbow of His Excellency. We thank the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in the state also. Similarly, TESCOM, and the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and TESCOM, in Ogbomoso Zone for their competent and effectual translation of the Governor’s policy in the sector.

We thank the parents and the teachers. We see this as a call to greater service and a drive to greater heights in the lives of these young ones, the famed leaders of tomorrow.

Thank you once again, Prof Akanbi and his team, thank you Edge Technologies, it is my sincere prayer the good Lord will open more doors for you to greater accomplishments.

In conclusion, we call on other public – spirited individuals to partner the state government in providing germane facilities and support needed for the kind of education this century requires. And when such is decided, this school solicits it be considered. We will be worthy partners.

Remember, we will be remembered by what we do, after long we are gone. Most other things will slide into insignificance, will rot, the legacies we helped build are what will outlive us.

Thank you. Mercy journey as we return to our homes, offices.