9mobile backs tech-based multilingual learning, unveils judges, entry shortlists for ‘Future CEO Initiative’

[By VICTOR NZE]

Telecoms service provider in the country, 9mobile has joined in the global call for the adoption of technology in multilingual learning.

The telco provider made the call at an event organized to mark this year’s International Mother Language Day (IMLD) with the theme; ‘Using Technology for Multilingual Learning: Challenges and Opportunities,’ as it aptly underscores the vital role of technology in advancing multilingual education and supports the development of quality teaching and learning for all.

This is also the telecommunications firm unveiled three judges, in addition to announcing a shortlist of 10 entries for its Future CEO speech competition initiative.

Commenting on the significance of the International Mother Language Day’s theme, Monday, the Executive Director, Regulator, and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Mallam Abdulrahman Ado, noted that using technology to enhance the learning of languages will ensure equitable and inclusive education for all.

“Language sustains every society. Sadly, we have seen the gradual extinction of many ethnic languages over the years. Technology has the power to protect and preserve linguistic diversity. As a company committed to the advancement of education, we are proud to support and promote multilingual learning through the application of technology,” said Ado.

Speaking further on the annual event, Ado noted that beyond the fact that language is a key expression of people’s culture, it is one of the driving forces of national development.

According to him, language supports societal cohesion, which is a basis for economic growth. “This is why at 9mobile, we see the fostering of learning as a human capital investment”, he stated.

9mobile has recently initiated many education-related initiatives,with teachers and students benefitting directly. One of such initiatives is the ongoing Bichi digital skill acquisition program designed to equip students with relevant technology to advance their academic careers and prepare them for the journey into the world of entrepreneurship.

The International Mother Language Day is set aside by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to promote the preservation and protection of all languages, which is in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal thrust of leaving no one behind when it comes to language and multilingual learning.

Meanwhile, 9mobile, also on Monday, unveiled three judges and announced a shortlist of 10 entries for its Future CEO speech competition initiative in collaboration with the District II of Lagos State Ministry of Education.

The unveiling is in preparation for the grand finale scheduled for March 1.

Speaking at the unveiling, Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobileAbdulrahman Ado said, “The thinking behind the 9mobile Future CEO Initiative is to stimulate the interest of young students of secondary school age in business and leadership. Having some of these notable professionals in their different fields as judges will further encourage the students who are constantly making efforts in their studies. Based on their pedigree, we have no doubt that they are all people of impeccable character whose final selection and verdict cannot be called to question.” “We also appreciate the Lagos State Ministry of Education for the support and collaboration received so far,” Ado added.

The three judges unveiled are Hussaina Ishaya Audu, a lawyer and an educational administrator, currently the principal of Greensprings Schools Lekki; Johnson Abbaly, Chief Executive, LightField House International, a talent profiling organization and Temitope Adeyemi, Teachability Expert, Training Re-engineering and Acceleration Advocate. Johnson Abbaly, who spoke on behalf of other judges, thanked 9mobile for the confidence reposed in their ability to carry out their assignment as professionally as possible.

Clarifying the selection process, Abbaly said, “it is important to state that we can only have one star prize winner; the same rule is applicable in this instance. However, we will have two runners-up and consolation prizes for other participants.”

The grand finale will hold on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at the Immaculate Heart Comprehensive Senior High School Hall, Education District II, Maryland.

Entries for the 9mobile Future CEO Initiative were received in the preliminary stage from 54 secondary schools across Education District II, Lagos, which comprises Ikorodu, Shomolu, and Kosofe Local Government Areas.

The ten final entries that made it to the finale include Abule Eko Community Senior Grammar School, Ikorodu; Ajegunle Senior High School, Kosofe; Government Senior Model College, Owutu, Ikorodu; Immaculate Heart Comprehensive Senior High School, Maryland; and Ipakodo Grammar School, Ikorodu.

Others are Isawo Comprehensive Senior High School, Ikorodu; Lagos StateCivil Service Senior School, Igbogbo, Ikorodu; Angus Memorial Senior High School, Shomolu; Maya Community Senior Grammar School, Ikorodu; and OriwuSenior Model College, Ikorodu.

The maiden edition of the Future CEO initiative, which has as its theme, “what will you do if you get to be 9mobile CEO?” is in line with 9mobile’s CSR policy focus on education.