Governor Oyebanji Pledges to Enhance Educational Curriculum, Partners with UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has praised Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his remarkable efforts in advancing the state’s development. The organization expressed its intention to promote Ekiti’s innovative and digital achievements to other states in the southwest and across Nigeria.

During a working visit to the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti, Dr. William Tsuma, UNDP’s Country Senior Innovation Adviser, highlighted the state’s progress in agriculture, education, arts and culture, and the digital economy. He noted that these initiatives have positioned Ekiti as a leading state in its pursuit of rapid development.

This visit followed Governor Oyebanji’s recent inauguration of the first Innovation Hub (Startup Garage) in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. Dr. Tsuma emphasized the importance of innovating within the public sector to create an integrated portfolio that maximizes the sector’s deliverables. He affirmed UNDP’s commitment to collaborating with the state to advance its human development agenda, particularly by enhancing youth employability.

Dr. Tsuma also lauded the Governor for launching a Maker Space alongside the Innovation Hub, noting that UNDP would support the realization of these initiatives. He praised Oyebanji’s efforts to create an environment that offers practical public sector experience, particularly for the youth, facilitating their transition into the workforce with enhanced skills and knowledge.

Governor Oyebanji, in his remarks, stated that the establishment of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone has created a robust platform for lifting the state out of poverty by fostering ecosystems that drive innovation, technology, and improve employability. He highlighted the necessity of collaboration between the state’s Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy to address curriculum gaps from elementary to university level, underscoring his administration’s commitment to producing globally competitive citizens.

The Governor stressed the need for government efforts to convert citizens’ knowledge into economic prosperity, aiming to position Ekiti as a national economic hub. Acknowledging that youth make up over 75 percent of the population, Oyebanji emphasized the importance of building supportive platforms to help them achieve success in their careers and aspirations.

Governor Oyebanji also announced plans to replicate the innovation hub (Startup Garage) across all 16 local government areas in the state. He thanked UNDP for its interest and pledged to continue leveraging the capabilities of Ekiti’s citizens to provide strong leadership in education, innovation, and the digital economy.

In his remarks, Seun Fakuade, Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, expressed the state’s readiness to partner with UNDP in innovation and capacity development initiatives. He reiterated the ministry’s focus on fostering development through innovation, with youth playing a central role in this vision.