FME Explores Techxagon’s ATRI Programme to Advance Practical Technology Education
The Federal Ministry of Education has expressed interest in exploring innovative approaches to
strengthening practical technology education in Nigerian schools, following a presentation by
Techxagon Academy on its proposed Applied Technology, Robotics and Innovation (ATRI)
Programme.
Representing the Director, Education Support Services, the Deputy Director, Support Health
Education Division, Mrs. Njideka Ogbuke, welcomed the Techxagon delegation and commended
the Academy’s efforts to enhance learners’ capacity to engage meaningfully with technology..
She described the initiative as timely, noting that technology is becoming increasingly integral to
education and that learners require relevant practical skills to use emerging technologies
effectively and improve learning outcomes. She also stressed the importance of strengthening
teachers’ capacity in emerging technologies and ensuring that any proposed intervention aligns
with national education priorities.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director, School Support Division, Mr. Fapohunda Solomon,
appreciated the presentation and the issues raised during the engagement. He described the
initiative as laudable and assured the delegation that the presentation, together with the views,
observations and recommendations arising from the session, would be conveyed to the
Management of the Ministry for consideration and further direction.
He noted that opportunities to extend practical technology learning to more schools could be
explored, subject to the appropriate consideration and approval of the Ministry.
Presenting the proposed ATRI Programme, the Chief Operating Officer of Techxagon Academy,
Mr. Jude Akonam, explained that the initiative is designed to move technology education beyond
theoretical learning by providing students with hands-on exposure to areas including coding,
robotics, artificial intelligence, electronics, automation, Internet of Things (IoT), drones and 3D
design.
According to him, the proposed programme would complement existing school curricula through
dedicated practical laboratories and structured learning sessions that would enable students to
build, test and improve technology-based projects.
Akonam further explained that teacher training would constitute a key component of the
programme, equipping educators with practical skills required to effectively facilitate and sustain
technology-based learning in participating schools.
He disclosed that Techxagon was proposing a pilot programme involving selected schools across
the six geopolitical zones, comprising teacher training, practical sessions for students, and joint
monitoring and evaluation, subject to the Ministry’s consideration and approval.
He also sought the Ministry’s guidance on the selection of pilot schools, nomination of teachers
and modalities for monitoring the proposed initiative.
Contributing to the discussion, the Assistant Director, Department of Technology, Mr. Balogun
Bamidele, commended the emphasis on practical technology and entrepreneurship, stressing the
importance of ensuring that access to such opportunities is not limited by learners’
socioeconomic backgrounds.
He advocated stronger teacher preparation, including through colleges of education, improved
access to practical technology resources in schools, particularly in rural communities, and early
exposure to technology at the primary and junior secondary levels to foster creativity, curiosity
and problem-solving skills among learners.
The interactive engagement also considered issues around curriculum alignment, accessibility,
teacher preparedness, equipment safety and the availability of technology resources in schools.
The observations and recommendations arising from the discussion will form part of the feedback
to be presented to the Ministry’s Management for appropriate consideration.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its openness to constructive collaboration with
credible stakeholders, including private-sector organisations whose initiatives can contribute
positively to the development of the Nigerian education system.
The Ministry will continue to consider innovative interventions that support national education
priorities, strengthen teacher capacity and equip learners with relevant practical and
technological skills, in accordance with established policies, guidelines and due process.