The Bank of Industry (BOI) has teamed up with education technology company CloudNotte to empower schools in Rivers State with digital tools, training, and access to funding, in a major push to advance education through innovation and technology.
Over 700 school owners, administrators, and educators in Port Harcourt benefited from a one-day capacity-building programme tagged *“Educators Insight,”* which focused on equipping school leaders with digital skills and tools to improve learning outcomes and operational efficiency.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Pacqueens Irabor, BOI’s Divisional Head for MSMEs in the South-South region, said the partnership is aimed at helping schools embrace technology and scale their impact. He emphasised that education must go beyond producing law-abiding citizens to also preparing students with practical, real-world skills.
As part of the partnership, schools can now access up to ₦5 million in funding under the FGN MSME Intervention Fund at a 9% interest rate over three years. The fund is expected to enable schools to invest in critical infrastructure such as computers, software, and solar energy solutions. While BOI is providing financial support, CloudNotte will deliver the digital tools and training necessary for modernising school operations and teaching methods.
“BOI has a huge appetite to fund education because it helps us fulfil our mandate of creating jobs,” Irabor said, underlining the bank’s commitment to supporting the education sector.
CloudNotte CEO, Mary Matthew, described the initiative as part of a broader push to transform Africa’s education system through technology. She stressed the need for equity in education, urging both the government and private sector to work together to address persistent gaps, particularly in public schools.
“The government is trying, but there’s more to be done. The private sector is also contributing, but our schools still need more support,” Matthew noted.
Stella Atukomi, Strategic Planning and ICT Officer at the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, underscored the importance of accurate data in developing effective education strategies. “Before you plan, you need information, and that information is key to decision-making in the state,” she said.
In his remarks, Sunday Jaja, Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Rivers State, urged school leaders to adapt quickly to digital changes. He pointed to the forthcoming Computer-Based Testing (CBT) model for WAEC as an urgent reason for schools to upgrade their digital infrastructure. “This is not a time for school owners to relax. WAEC is going CBT, and that’s why NAPPS is working with CloudNotte to help schools grow,” he said.
The partnership signals a strong step forward in building an inclusive, tech-driven education ecosystem in Rivers State, with both financial and technical support made accessible to schools ready to innovate.
