FUTA, Sunshine Smiles Foundation, INTEDH Train Teachers on Digital Literacy

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), through its Institute of Digital Humanities and Technology Enhanced Learning (INTEDH), in partnership with Sunshine Smiles Foundation under the Young Innovators Lab, has commenced a digital literacy training programme for teachers from underserved and low-income schools in Ondo State.

The first cycle of the one-month programme, which combines online and offline sessions, was officially launched at FUTA on September 11, 2025.

Speaking at the event, the Director of INTEDH, Prof. Titi Fola-Adebayo, emphasized the importance of equipping teachers with 21st-century media and digital literacy skills. “The era of the traditional setting of teaching where teachers hold final sway is no longer feasible. Learning is now transformational and knowledge transfer has become more dynamic with digital tools,” she said, urging participants to embrace innovative teaching methods that align with global best practices.

The founder of Sunshine Smiles Foundation, Mrs. Bimpe Adejumo, explained the motivation behind the initiative. “We are starting with teachers from underserved schools because teachers are multipliers of impact. This training is designed to not only expand your knowledge but also enlighten and expose you to more effective teaching methods enabled by digital tools. Our vision is to ensure every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive,” she stated.

One of the facilitators, Prof. Peter Aborisade, highlighted the core of digital literacy as problem-solving. He defined digital literacy as the ability to use technology effectively, safely, and creatively for teaching, learning, communication, and research. He stressed skills such as critical thinking, internet safety, digital plagiarism awareness, online identity management, and classroom technology use.

Other facilitators, including Prof. Funmi Bode-Sawe, Dr. Funmi Oguntade, and Dr. Ibrahim Makinde, delivered sessions on topics such as “Responsibilities of the Online Teacher,” “Using WhatsApp and Telegram for Teaching,” and “Teaching-Learning Environments: Affordances and Constraints.”

Teachers drawn from secondary schools in Akure, including Igoba High School, Akure Secondary Commercial School, Muslim Grammar School, Celestial High School, and CAC Grammar School, participated in the first cycle of the programme.

Sunshine Smiles Foundation, a non-profit organisation, reiterated its mission to support underprivileged children across Nigeria through initiatives aimed at improving their well-being, education, and future prospects.