The Lagos State Government, in its bid to digitalise education in Nigeria, has joined Kwara State to launch the Reading Wikipedia in the Classroom programme in a pilot phase for teachers in the state.
The online training was officially launched on December 14, 2022 at the LCCI conference center by the Chairman, Mrs. Ariyo Elizabeth, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), represented by her Commissioner Mr. Jacob Asaka; the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Olubusola; the Executive Director of Wikimedia Nigeria User Group, Mrs. Omolayo Ogunsiji and the Project Director of the Wikimedia Nigeria User Group.
The teachers learned to use Wikipedia in their classroom, which has helped them access information online from reliable sources, while also learning how to research and create information.
The training has further enhanced their media and information literacy skills, as well as teaching them how to work in a community and as a team. They can now contribute to Wikipedia and also impart knowledge to their students.
The participants are set to graduate in a virtual ceremony on February 24, 2023, after the conclusion of the free training, which was funded by the Wikimedia Foundation and supported by TESCOM, the Wikimedia Nigeria User Group, and First Digital Press Ltd.
Commenting on the success of the training, the Wikimedia education team commended the teachers for their performance, dedication, tenacity, and contributions throughout the duration of the exercise.