Teach Digital Skills Early, ICT Expert Urges Schools

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert Mr Benjamin Balogun has advocated for the introduction of digital literacy at the basic education level, arguing that early exposure would better equip pupils to navigate future technological challenges.

He said exposing pupils to digital skills from an early age would boost their confidence and equip them for the demands of a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world. According to him, pupils at the basic education level should not be denied access to digital skills and learning opportunities.

"It is good to expose pupils to digital literacy skills from basic classes. It boosts their confidence and prepares them for the future," he said. "The world is now a digital one, where people who lack ICT skills are often left behind in technological advancement and have limited opportunities to compete on the international stage. Government, education stakeholders and proprietors must ensure that schools are well-equipped to teach pupils digital literacy skills from the basic level."

Balogun, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Balo Tech Hub, noted that many schools delay introducing digital literacy to pupils — a practice he warned could disadvantage them later in life. He urged parents to encourage their children to develop ICT skills from an early age, rather than relying solely on schools to provide such training.

According to Balogun, early digital knowledge would give children a competitive edge in the labour market and enable them to compete favourably both locally and on the global stage.