Government Model School Makurdi Gets New ICT Centre

Keystone Bank has donated a fully equipped ICT centre to Government Model School in Makurdi, Benue State. The project supports digital learning and technology driven education in Nigeria. This was in a handover ceremony that attracted government officials, education stakeholders, and banking executives. The project forms part of the bank’s education support initiative under its corporate social responsibility programme.

The intervention also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which promotes quality education and inclusive learning opportunities. Representatives of the Benue State Government attended the event on behalf of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Senior officials from the education, science, and technology ministries also attended the ceremony.

The ICT centre includes laptops, workstations, ergonomic chairs, and air conditioning systems. The facility also has an inverter powered electricity setup and a renovated ICT hall. School authorities said the centre would support teaching, research, and digital examinations. They added that the project would improve access to modern learning tools for students.

Digital Gaps Still Affect Schools

Many public schools across Nigeria still face technology and infrastructure challenges. Several institutions struggle with poor internet access, unstable electricity supply, and outdated equipment. At the same time, digital education continues to gain attention across the country. Schools increasingly rely on technology for learning, examinations, and classroom management.

Recent economic pressure has also affected education budgets. Rising inflation and energy costs continue to increase operating expenses for many institutions. As a result, private sector interventions have become more important. Banks, telecom firms, and technology companies now support projects focused on digital literacy and workforce readiness.

Speaking during the event, Keystone Bank Executive Director for North and Public Sector, described education as a critical investment. According to him, access to quality learning tools can help young Nigerians compete globally. He added that the bank would continue supporting initiatives that expand opportunities for underserved communities.

The bank’s Regional Head for the North, also linked the project to future workforce development. He explained that ICT facilities help students build digital skills needed in today’s economy. Furthermore, he said the project would help close infrastructure gaps in public schools.

Government Praises Partnership

Benue State officials commended the initiative during the ceremony. They also encouraged stronger collaboration between government and private organisations. The Secretary to the State Government described the project as an important contribution to human capital development in the state.

She said partnerships between government and businesses remain important for sustainable development. In addition, she urged more organisations to support education focused projects.

The ceremony also attracted the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management and the Commissioner for Science and Technology. The Commissioner for Information and Communication Technology, and the Central Bank of Nigeria Branch Controller, were also present.

The Principal of Government Model School, Robert Apir, described the ICT centre as a major boost for the institution. He noted that the facility would strengthen computer literacy among students and staff. He also said it would support digital examination processing and research activities.

Apir thanked the Benue State Ministry of Education for its support. He further assured stakeholders that the school would maintain the facility properly.

CSR and ESG Focus Grow Stronger

The donation reflects a wider shift in Nigeria’s banking sector. More financial institutions now highlight Environmental, Social, and Governance projects in their sustainability strategies. Education, digital inclusion, renewable energy, and community development have become key focus areas. Many banks now use such initiatives to strengthen public trust and social impact.

Keystone Bank has also expanded digital banking and inclusion programmes in recent years. The lender highlighted several sustainability projects in its latest sustainability disclosures. Industry analysts believe social impact projects may become even more important as Nigerian banks currently face growing pressure to demonstrate measurable community value.

The banking sector also continues to navigate recapitalisation reforms and economic uncertainty. Consequently, institutions increasingly combine profit goals with sustainability commitments.

For students at Government Model School, the benefits are immediate. The new ICT centre provides access to technology that many learners previously lacked. As Nigeria pushes for stronger digital literacy, projects like this could help narrow technology gaps. They could also prepare more students for a digital economy driven by innovation and technology.