Through its efforts to digitise the education sector for quality education system delivery, the Kaduna state government, through the Commissioner of Education, Dr Shehu Muhammad, sought the expertise of FlexiSAF. As a result, FlexiSAF set up a system that enables the Kaduna state government to gather real-time information for decision-making. The application also allows monitoring teachers’ attendance across all schools in the state with just a click of a button, amongst other benefits.
The novel coronavirus had one positive side. It showed the world the power of technology, and we all rushed to embrace it. The fear for us was that our education would cripple and students will lose all they have learnt while sitting idly at home with no clear insight as to when things will return to the norm.
A year later, educational institutions have seen a massive turn to technology, which is different from what they were accustomed to.
Through its efforts to digitise the education sector for quality education system delivery, the Kaduna state government, through the Commissioner of Education, Dr Shehu Muhammad, sought the expertise of FlexiSAF. As a result, FlexiSAF set up a system that enables the Kaduna state government to gather real-time information for decision-making. The application also allows monitoring teachers’ attendance across all schools in the state with just a click of a button, amongst other benefits.
The application is currently in the test phase in the state, with about 100 schools in the system, to gather feedback and improve if needed. Therefore, we decided to interview FlexiSAF’s Product Manager, Faisal Saddiq, to give us insight into his thoughts regarding the latest development.
FlexiSAF Rep: With the recent step taken by the Kaduna state government, what do you think will be the state of education in the state?
Faisal Saddiq: This is an excellent step taken ahead of others. Quality decisions are backed by data which is why the state has taken on this initiative to guide its activities. It will undoubtedly accelerate their growth in terms of human development. In addition. the state will see clear gaps that need to be bridged to get children engaged and have a healthier and more literate society.
FlexiSAF Rep: As a product manager, what steps are you taking to ensure that the application continues to meet the needs of all institutions at all times?
Faisal Saddiq: We are working closely with the institutions and their supervising ministry to simplify and ensure adoption. This relationship is helping us identify their challenges and solving them gradually.
FlexiSAF Rep: What is your advice to other state governments?
Faisal Saddiq: They should quickly follow in the steps of Kaduna state.
FlexiSAF Rep: Do you think the institutions in the state have the required capacity to use the application?
Faisal Saddiq: I believe so, judging by the outcome of our training so far.
FlexiSAF Rep: Is there a limit to the number of institutions and number of staff and students that the application can manage for the state government?
Faisal Sadiq: There is no limit in that regard.
FlexiSAF Rep: What are some of the functionalities of the application?
Faisal Saddiq: Its functionalities include student and staff enrolment, automated result compilation, parents-school interaction, students attendance and much more. Ultimately, these data are summarised on a dashboard to give valuable information to decision-makers of Kaduna state.
FlexiSAF Rep: What are some of the benefits the state government will get from using the application?
Faisal Saddiq: The state will have real-time data and information in terms of enrolment, school attendance, dropout rates, academic performance, staff distribution, social inclusion and others that will inform their reporting and decision making in good time. These decisions will include resource allocation, budgeting, improving literacy rates, capacity building and much more.
FlexiSAF Rep: What are some of the benefits the institutions will get from using the application?
Faisal Saddiq: Repurposing time taken in manual processes into more meaningful tasks, saving costs of printing report cards, uplifting staff literacy in Information Technology, data analytics, saving person-hours on manual processes and ultimately achieving clean and organised data for better administration.
We are very optimistic about the outcome of the test phase as we have received positive feedback so far. However, we hope that other states “quickly follow” the steps of Kaduna state, as Faisal Saddiq said.
