Emeka: Did you know, according to UNICEF, one in every five of the world’s out of school children is in Nigeria? About 10.5 million of country children aged five to 14 years and not in school. The education gap in Nigeria is very significant and should probably be considered a national crisis. And the reality is that we can depend on the government alone to close this gap. We need other stakeholders to intervene. The Telecommunications and Technology Sustainability Working Group TTSWG, a multi stakeholder network of corporate organisations committed to the development of the sector through global best practices, innovation and thought leadership in business sustainability. Today, we’ll be having a member organisation of TTSWG to discuss how corporate organisations, the tech industries specifically, can intervene in Nigeria’s education sector. And our guest is in the building. Actually, I have two guests in the building today. Right, okay. Should I allow you introduce yourself? Okay, so we have Mr. Emmanuel Asika, the country head for HP Nigeria. Can you just say hi to the guest today?
Emmanuel: Thank you so much. It’s a pleasure to be here with you. Good evening.
Emeka: Thank you very much. And also we have Isaac Emmanuel, a representative from the TTSWG Secretariat. Isaac, you want to say hi? Yeah.
Isaac: Hello, Emeka.
Emeka: I have two Emmanuels in the building.
Emmanuel: Definitely God is with us right now. Oh, goodness.
Emeka: We have a lot of God in the studio. I think we need so much right now in Nigeria with what is happening. Right?
Emmanuel: Absolutely.
Emeka: Okay, good. Okay, so I think we can all agree that the education sector in Nigeria is in need of intervention, right? And from the primary to tertiary levels, the numbers are discouraging. To what extent do you think the tech sector can set up in this regard? So, Mr. Emmanuel?
Emmanuel: Alright, I’ll just speak a bit to your statistics that you gave very recently. That number has moved from 10.5 to 15 to 20. I think recently, the former President of Nigeria did mention that we have gotten to about 20 million of out of school children. And if you put that into perspective, you’ll find out that we have probably the highest, one of the highest in the world out of school children. All right? So that indeed, it’s a dire statistic. It’s not something we want to be proud of as a nation. But beyond that, I think what’s even a bit more worrying is the quality of the teaching. So, even the guys who are in school, can you vouch for the quality of teaching that they are getting. All right? So, because in terms of numeracy and literacy, we’re still below the pecking order. All right. But again, that’s itemizing the problem. And I think that every Nigerian is an expert in the problems that we have, and hopefully this will help us in the elections that’s coming under 20 fees. But I think the question is, what are the tech guys doing? So, because we’re Tech, one of the things that we are trying to ensure that we contribute to the education sector would be in the area of call it digital access or digital equity, which is where we hopefully can be ratified.
And just to put it into perspective, when you talk about digital equity, some of the things that you’re talking about would be devices. You cannot begin your journey in digital equity. If you don’t have devices, then also access to the Internet is also one strong pillar of digital equity. Then you then talk about literacy. All right. Digital literacy. All right. So, what we then try to do and again, I know the first question is, what are we doing? Because, again, it’s beyond theory. There’s so many things that we are doing in that space in the education sector. So, for example, I was speaking to Emmanuel, my namesake, today that it’s okay to say that you want to impact children in the education sector, but then how about the missing, which is the teachers? All right.
Emeka: Are the teachers very important names?
Emmanuel: Absolutely. Are the teachers fully equipped for 21st century learning? All right. There’s a particular quote that we’ve been talking about with the team that I have, and that is that if you teach today the way you taught yesterday, you rob the kids of their future. All right? And education has moved beyond what we see now. And so we have to have that digital and that tech element into it. It’s beyond content is also important. And I think that maybe we can talk about the curriculum and how we can change it, obviously sometime in the future. But then how are you delivering, for example, that content in Pedagogy, obviously. So, we have partnered with 1 million teachers. I don’t know. It’s an organisation that is doing absolutely wonderful things in Nigeria. And I’ll just mention some of the things that we’re doing in Nigeria at the moment, and then maybe we can go into details as we continue the conversation. So, 1 million teachers also are providing some important trainings for teachers so that they are able to be ready for the 21st century challenges as they teach. We also partner with a group called Teach for Nigeria. And notice that, again, there’s a teacher thread to it. Of course, we have a HP Life, and I think we’ll talk about HP Life eventually, which is a revolutionary program that we have, and that it’s transforming lives. It’s not just ticking the box that we are also doing. Then we also have something called the HP idea which is innovation and digital education academy. And we have schools across Lagos who are part of this HP idea. And the whole idea is that we get them into a program where we are teaching them revolutionary styles of engagement with students, which is not just talking the way that things were taught previously. And then obviously, we certify them. We are on the third core part that we have, excuse me, about 261 teachers across 20 schools and legals already. So, these are things obviously, we do them silently because we know that the important work is not just for show up or photo ops, but we know that these legal things are changing lives on a daily basis with 1 million teachers. For example, we had a program that we call Mentor a Teacher. So we get our own. And the rate of volunteerism in my company is absolutely amazing. In 2022, we clocked 600 hours of volunteer as an organization in Nigeria and east, which is my district, which includes east and Western Africa. All right, so we volunteered 100 of us, 200 teachers, and then took them through this process of trying to get them conversant with tech tools, with digital tools, and in multiple topics and areas that would directly include effective presentation that will help them use technology well and then use it to teach. Now, that particular program is on the third Cohort today, and we just flagged our Mentoring Teacher 3.0, where we have almost 600 mentors who will be doing the same thing. And indirectly, we’ve touched hundreds of thousands of already. These are initiatives. And I think that these are things that tech companies, I think, should be part of the DNA, because it’s okay to get into an environment and make some money, and it is fundamental, but it’s also important that you are using your tech to change the world. And indeed, when you look at HP’s vision, mission, and belief, and if you want, I can read them out to you, but it’s really around how do you make a meaningful impact and progress in society.
Emeka: Thank you very much.That’s like a very deep response, right? And I like the way you’re very detailed, I’m really happy about that. So the tech sector has been referred to as the new Oil in Nigeria. You’re laughing already. So the impression is that tech companies have a lot to spare, right? Is this impression correct? And also and if money isn’t a limitation, what are other limitations faced by tech companies willing to intervene in an engineering education sector?
Emmanuel: Okay, so, I mean, if you look at figures, you’ll be talking about what’s the what constitutes the oil industry? I mean, what’s the oil industry? What are the oil industry and the tech industry? And again, I will probably not go into those details, but I do agree that we have potential. But don’t forget as well, if you’ve heard, obviously with Amazon, with some of the major Google as well, tech companies that have been downsizing. So, obviously you know that there’s no unlimited cash anywhere.And obviously the world is in a recession of sorts. And this also happens in Africa and in Nigeria also. So, there is money available, obviously, because if not, we would not be running a business. But what we also like to point out is that especially in a host environment, if the company is not profitable, the company cannot perform what you call CSR. In any case, what we consider to be a sustainability impact is much more than CSR to us. It’s in the DNA of the company. But obviously, companies need to be profitable for them to be able to carry out their initiatives. And some of these initiatives have rolled out. With the new oil, I think we have the potential to be I think that tech is not a luxury. I think that tech is an imperative. I think that the future is tech. Incidentally, I think the present also is tech.All right? So I think that I saw one statistic talking about where we have the capacity to generate close to $40 billion annually in tech in Nigeria alone. So, there’s that capacity to do so. But obviously, we need to up skill the people. We need to get them ready. Is our curriculum, is our entire education landscape ready for this future of work, like we call it? And so all these elements include hybrid work. We’re in the studio here, but you know that we could have done this interview for me in the comfort of my house, and it could still have worked. It’s happening all over. So, are we ready? Are we prepared for that? All right, so that’s on every critical question to ask. So, are we the next oil? I think we have the capacity to be. What is stopping the intervention? What’s the limitation for investment into Nigeria? We as an organisation, we know the limitations and people talk about it. We may not. For example, some people will build schools, build physical infrastructure. Others will probably donate uniforms. And I think the guys in Slum to School are doing an amazing job. Also another organization that we are partnering with. And we’ve done a lot of things with them and still continue to do. But as an organization, we will sit in a place where we’re going to try to see how we get affordable devices, because the pillars of digital equity will forever remain devices, digital literacy and then access to fast Internet. So I don’t provide Internet, but at least I can provide devices and try to make it as affordable as possible because your entire tech journey is nonexistent if you don’t have devices. And then we then try to provide people with the skills to be able to put that device to work in their entire tech journey. So we are ignoring the limitations, and we’re going ahead. And that’s why we have so much of these initiatives that we are running, and they cost quite a tidy. So, I can assure you.
Emeka: I think that’s where the impression comes from being the new oil in Nigeria. Okay, good stuff. We’re opening phone lines right now so people can join the conversation. We have Mr. Emmanuel Asika the country head for HP Nigeria in the building. And I also have Isaac Emanuel representative from the TTSWG secretariat. I’m going to come to you just right now, but let’s open the phone line so people can join in the conversation. So if you have any opinions, questions, and suggestions about the topic we’re discussing today, you would love to hear from you. Okay. You can reach us on 0700923923923 or send us a WhatsApp message on 08173136193. So, while we’re waiting for your call, we’ll continue the conversation with Mr with the Emmanuels in the studio. Okay, so I’m coming right at you. Right, I see. So, you’re from the Secretariat, TTSWG Secretariat, TTSWG is doing a lot of great stuff right now, and I just heard that you guys had the seep and tech end of the year that you had for the group. Right? Okay, so just tell us for those people who do not really understand or know about TTSWG and the group, right? Just tell us a little bit about the SFG.
Isaac: Okay. Thank you very much. You’re welcome. I think I’ll just pick it up from your discussion with Mr.Emmanuel. All right. So, you were saying something about the next oil, and what occurred to me was the fact that one of the challenges that came with having oil as a major economic driver in Nigeria was sustainability. Okay? We had issues of pollution. We had issues of hostile relationships with host communities and all that, and essentially because these conversations were not going on when oil was struck in the library. But we have the advantage now if tech is going to become the next oil to start driving sustainability. What’s sustainability? It’s simply the ability to make use of resources without jeopardizing the opportunity for the next generation to do the same. So, we have the opportunity to drive sustainability in the tech industry through environment, social, governance, and that’s what it is that he is about. So, the focus is on the tech and telecom sector. And we’re looking to see how we can just provide a common ground to bring together the organisations, leading organizations in the sector stakeholders,and get them to collaborate on sustainability, thought leadership, sustainability trainings. And then we also have our internships and Secondment program, and that is to.
Emeka: I was just about to go to land.
Isaac: All right, then. So the essence of that is we recently signed and we’ll use with some universities, Covenant University, King’s University, UniMad and some others in the pipeline. It’s to get top talents in Stem departments in these universities to intern at various member organizations, one of which we have here graciously Mr Emmanuel Asika
Emeka: I understand that HP is a member of the TTSWG, right?
Isaac: Yes. All right, so it’s essentially to get them there so they will be able to gain practical skills, prepare them for the future of work, and then also ingrained dell sustainability in them.
Emeka: That’s very good. Thank you very much. And at least people understand what is about right now. And I like the fact that you and the group, you are looking towards that establishing the handshake between the corporate sector and the academy and the academia by providing for promising young students in tech organisations, just like HP here. And also the secondment of lecturer, just like you mentioned. Right? But looking at something. Is this something your organisation is willing to encourage? Take it out there.
Isaac: Well, we’re all in that’s what we’re all about. TTSWG essentially isa coalition. So the strength of TTSWG essentially, you might say,is the strength of its member organizations. So the ability to be able to merge energies together to drive this. So we’re looking at how we can reach we have members mentioned a few MTN,IHS Towers, Smile Mobicure, BCN, Xinox and a number of key players. Alton is also a member, and that’s an industry body for the telecom sector. So what we’re looking at essentially is we want to bring sustainability to the common man, and we want to see sustainability integrated into the systems of this organisations. Pardon me. So, that’s what TTSWG is all about. So we’re going to be doing this by events,also doing this by training. The next generation that is coming because a generation gets better to Facebook, a generation give better Twitter. We don’t know what the next generation is going to give better to AI is the insane now. So, we want that drive for sustainability and then to bridge that gap, particularly in Nigeria for us. So that’s essentially what it’s about. And we’re looking forward to partnering with our member organisations. I was having a discussion with Mr. Emmanuel about that, and he was graciously inclined to be internships and secondment. And we hope to follow through and just build with that momentum this year.
Emeka: The idea of internship is very, very cool because a lot of times kids in school are looking for places to do their it and just practice all the things you’ve been learning from.
Isaac: Exactly.
Emeka: Shouldn’t even have, because most of the companies don’t even want to get them involved. Right? So I think this will really help that gap to reach that gap, especially.
Isaac: With a company for like HP, for example, Mr. Emmanuel was talking about the awesome stuff they are doing, the 1 million teachers and Teach for Nigeria. I’m familiar with Teach for Nigeria and these are novel initiatives. So we also want to see how we could just bridge that gap and also get them into an environment where they can be positively challenged.
Emeka: Good stuff. Good stuff. Okay, so right back at you, Mr Emmanuel Asika.The future of education is digital, just like you mentioned before, right? So what role do you think tech businesses can play in the upscaling of young Nigerians and teachers to prepare for the future? And how do you ensure that those in the rural communities are not left behind during this transition?
Emmanuel: Thank you so much.
Emeka: Rural communities is very important, right?
Emmanuel: Yeah, I think that’s a key demographic for us as well. I just wanted to make a comment on what Emmanuel said and I think the scope of work, what we are trying to achieve, which is trying to get Nigeria and indeed the continent ready, it’s gargantuan and no one person can do this alone. And so these collaborations are key. And I think that that’s one of the reasons why us as an organisation have so many partners. Because you can’t change alone. And I think that this speaks to the African ethos of community. It takes a village. It’s something that it takes a village and every person does contribute their own culture. And whilst we do our own beach, obviously the government, policymakers and other people need to do that. But having said that,we will not sit, on our rest on our ears and not do anything. The point is we need to do something about this and hopefully that’s what we’re trying to inspire. And I’m glad to see what TTSWG is doing in terms of what we are doing or the tech can contribute. I think we’ve mentioned a couple of it already because we are focused on particular demographics. So women, for example, in the rural areas, when we were collaborating with slump to school, we’re talking about people in Makoko. I don’t know if you’ve been to Makoko, right? And then obviously I think Lagos is a bit saturated. So, we’re having collaborations and stuff that we’re doing outside Lagos in the state. Recently I was in Edo state for the Edo Innovate and jobs, and I think there’s some amazing work that is happening there. So, we are definitely not just so the whole essence of digital equity is to ensure that people who don’t have access to it can have compared to digital net and that’s the whole idea. So, the very essence of that job is to ensure that we are reaching out to people in underserved community, that’s a deliberate policy. And then reaching out also to people who are disabled as well. That’s also part of it. And then obviously people who are outside of theCJ net. When for example we launched Mentor a Teacher 1.0 we got teachers from Kano, from Calabar, from you know, from you know from areas when they flew in a plane and I would never forget this, you know, how their eyes lit up because some of them were entering the plane for the very first time in their lives. And we were bringing them from that place into Abuja, launched them in hotels and had an absolutely awesome and immersive experience with them as we launched this new product. And so you see they go back reenergized and the impact is amazing and almost immediate. And that’s what we are doing.
Emeka: Yes. So HP has a free skill training program for entrepreneurs, business owners and lifelong learners all over the world called HP Life. Can you share a little bit information on how interested young people can enroll in this program?
Emmanuel: Yeah, thank you again for that. And we always love to talk about HP Life. We are running out of time. We have reduced the barriers, the high bars for entry. So, all you need to do is just go online and nothing complicated. No, just Google HP Life and then you see the website and you directly and then you have access to almost 33 wide curriculum of minomaturia that will help you up skill yourself. Now as an organisation, if there are organizations like the Teach for Nigeria that want to do it in bulk, you can always come to HP and then we can organize something like that for you. And then sometimes some people learn better when they actually have an in person experience rather than online. So, whilst we have the online part, in some cases we can actually have that. And when we have that kind of group, we will also have then master classes as well with them. And we did that for Teach for Nigeria where we got almost 200 teachers together and they had participated with the HP Life. We did master classes for them so that we can make it a bit more effective, if you know what I mean. Log on to HP life. It’s an amazing program.
Emeka: We can actually go on with this conversation forever because it’s something that everybody really wants to talk about it. We hope that this discussion has been very engaging and enlightening for you and thank you for coming on the show, Mr. Emmanuel Asika and also Emmanuel Isaac, right. We do hope that you do have a lovely weekend ahead. And until next time, let’s continue to be a light to one another. The show is brought to you by CSR-in-Action and proudly sponsored by ACT Foundation. And I remain one and only celebrity show host, Emeka Aaron. You can watch the replay on our Instagram page at Goodcitizenng.You can also follow us on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram handle at goodcitizenng. Don’t forget to get your PVC, and please endeavor to do that because the elections are just around the corner. Until next time,stay safe and God bless you. Bye bye.
