By Our Reporter
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), a communications satellite operator owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a partnership agreement with GAMINT Corporate Limited, a private firm for the establishment and management of National E-learning Centre (NAEC) with E-learning Television and Radio (NETV) station as well as Smart Open School system.
Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT Engineer Tukur Mohammed Lawal, signed on behalf of NIGCOMSAT while the chief executive officer of GAMINT Corporate Limited and team lead Benue state E-learning, Virtual Education ICT Resource Center (BESEVIC) Mr. Terwase Gbande performed on behalf of the firm.
The partnership agreement involved other development partners on public private partnership basis.
GAMINT Corporate Limited which was selected because of competence, is a consultancy firm that has successfully piloted the establishment and management of Benue State E-learning/Virtual Education ICT Resource Centre (BESEVIC) on public-private partnership (PPP) and had also supported other states in the country in digital education services.
Speaking during the ceremony held in Abuja, Engineer Tukur Lawal said NIGCOMSAT will provide satellite connectivity, broadband and internet services, and on-premises equipment to host the project in NIGCOMSAT located at Obasanjo Space Centre Abuja, and to also support in the deployment and maintenance of equipment required for the project.
On his part, Mr Terwase Gbande who signed for GAMINT – a reseller of NIGCOMSAT services said with the agency’s expertise, space and ground infrastructure, including a satellite broadcasting facilities for direct-to-home satellite, it will fast-track delivery process for the project according to national and international best practices.
He stated that with NEAC project and NETV, the desire of the federal and state governments, other stakeholders and development partners to have a complete digital and e-learning access for continuous learning and quality education resources for basic education sector would be achieved.
Gbande said it will bridge the learning between gap between urban and rural communities in Nigeria.
The CEO of GAMINT further applauded NIGCOMSAT for finding GAMINT very competent for the partnership.