Dr. Apaak endorses mobile ICT labs as interim solution for schools

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has endorsed mobile ICT laboratories as a practical interim solution to improve access to STEM education.

He said the initiative could help bridge infrastructure gaps in schools while the government continues efforts to modernise educational facilities to accommodate science, technology, and digital learning.

Dr. Apaak made the remarks during Coderina’s donation of IT kits to the Ministry of Education, and the items were handed over to the Ghana Education Service. The organisation outlined plans to support schools, universities, and underserved communities through technology-driven interventions.

He noted that the proposal for mobile ICT laboratories aligns with the government’s broader vision of introducing coding, artificial intelligence, automation, and ICT into the country’s basic education curriculum.

“So the concept of the mobile ICT labs, I think, is one that is commendable. Even as we are working towards improved school infrastructure that can house spaces dedicated to STEM, that could be a stopgap measure,” he said.

The Deputy Minister explained that many existing school structures were built at a time when digital learning was not a priority, leaving little room for ICT and STEM facilities.

“Most of our schools, particularly the basic schools, when they were being built, times were different. And they were not configured to include spaces that can serve as ICT labs or STEM labs,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak said the government is now deliberately incorporating technology into future educational infrastructure projects, but stressed that learners should not have to wait before gaining access to essential digital skills.

“We now have to factor in the ICT, STEM, robotics, AI into our new educational infrastructure. But the question is, do we have to wait to do all of that before we introduce these very important subjects to all our learners? And the answer is no,” he said.

He added that the government is committed to decentralising STEM education and ensuring that learners in every part of the country, especially in the geographic north, benefit from ongoing interventions.

Dr. Apaak also expressed appreciation to Coderina for its partnership with the Ministry and assured the organisation of the government’s support, including providing letters of recommendation to help secure additional funding from the private sector and other development partners.