President, Association for Childhood Education Practitioners (ACEP) Hajia Islamiat Olaitan Oshodi has called on Stakeholders in the Education sector to leverage on the next generation learning management system and web conferencing tools for blended learning and enrichment programmes.
She was speaking at the celebration of international children’s Day and Virtual Exhibition with 50 Children and teachers in Lagos. She added that ACEP has also established the ACEP Private Xpo Network – a Virtual Collaborative Network; as part of a global Response Network to Education in Nigeria.
‘’It is a Virtual Collaborative Network and it is a first rallying point for education professionals in Nigeria.’’
Some of the schools that benefited from the ACEP’s largesse were Christ Church Cathedral school, Anglican Girls Seminary schools, St Mary’s Girls School and St Peter School Lagos lsland.
It would connect schools to businesses i.e., Financial institutions, Information Communication Technology companies, Telecom, Publishers, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and other service providers – for fundraising, 24/7 engagement and continuing collaboration at every event, such as the International children’s day celebration, Graduation Day, Prize Giving Day, Schools Annual inter-house/inter-schools sports competitions, Cultural Day Festivals, healthcare, financial literary conferences.
According to her, businesses want to network, connect and collaborate with schools but do not know how. She added that the project would help stakeholders in the Public and Private sector showcase their product and services at the virtual exhibition booth for daily massive traffic, qualified lead, higher search engine optimization ranking and additional new sales.
‘’As we launch ACEP Private Xpo Network today, we are rolling out the “Amazon” or “Netflix Model” – for schools virtual expo, training and conferences platform.’’
Mrs Treasure Uchegbu, Chief Executive Officer Speaking fingers Network, spoke on the theme “Leave No Child Behind” urging them to treat special children with respect and great care. She urged them never to discriminate among people living with disabilities.
Uchegbu appealed to governments and stakeholders to invest in the special needs and facilities for people living with disability. She also taught the participants sign language on Alphabeth and common expressions at the event on how to converse with the deaf community.
Mr Kehinde Oke, a Digital Collaboration Champion, said as for the need for ACEP Virtual Collaborative Network, a lot of people think when they own a website, they can digitally transform their business when people click their website.
He said ‘’what I say to them, is that when you have a website, you are basically a ship lost in the sea. Ships come to port, when they come to port, that’s when they can trade and do commerce.’’
He disclosed that ACEP Private Xpo Network is the port that brings schools and businesses together to network, connect and collaborate. Once at the port all stakeholders have access to share resources and it eventually becomes a virtual shopping mall. As an online attendee at ACEP Private Xpo Network I can move from one virtual booth to the next, and with a laptop I can pick everything I want”.
The occasion attracted dignitaries including the Mrs Lai Koiki, The Global Director of NAEYC Stephenie Olmoore Naeyc (National Association For Education of Young Children) the Largest Childhood Organizations in the World; Honorable Commissioner of Education, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo Her Excellencies Ambassador, Dr. (Mrs) Folake Abdul Razaq, the first Lady of Kwara State; Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwoolu, the first Lady of Lagos State; Nigeria’s Father in Education, the Founder of Universal Basic Education, Emeritus Professor Pai Obanya; Technical Partner and Director at U.S. Kids of America, Matt Fok; Erudite Scholars and Speakers, Prof Mopelola Omoegun;
