The Educators Insights Summit, held on July 30th at the Atrium Event Centre in Port Harcourt, brought together over 1,000 school owners, principals, and policymakers, marking a major moment for education in South-South Nigeria. Hosted by Cloudnotte, the event focused on urgent priorities such as school growth, access to funding, and the adoption of emerging EdTech solutions including blockchain, data analytics, and flexible learning environments.
Engr. Pacqueens Irabor from the Bank of Industry (BOI) highlighted how schools can now access loans and grants more easily, provided they maintain digitized financial records, demonstrate strong growth plans, and show consistent repayment histories. He noted that schools using digital tools like Cloudnotte are three times more likely to secure funding, underscoring the need for digitization.
The concept of smart schooling took center stage as Prof. Justin Gabriel of Rivers State University emphasized that digital tools are no longer optional. Schools with smart systems benefit from reduced administrative burden, secure digital payments, and improved parent engagement. The message was clear: by 2025, schools still relying on paper will be at a significant disadvantage.
Cloudnotte’s CEO, Mary Matthew, and CTO, Ugo Matthew, showcased a comprehensive digital platform designed to support everything from offline computer-based tests and AI-generated questions to real-time financial tracking and live virtual classrooms. The system even features live translation, broadening access to education across language barriers.
Joshua Brainy, CEO of 100Pay Inc., introduced the practical benefits of integrating blockchain and cryptocurrency into school finance systems. These tools offer secure, transparent tuition payments, appealing especially to diaspora families and schools looking for global funding access. Already, a notable percentage of elite schools are accepting crypto payments.
Atukomi Stella from RSUBE demonstrated how data analytics is directly influencing school growth and access to funding. By systematically organizing and leveraging data, schools can formulate strategic plans and increase their success in grant applications. Despite collecting vast amounts of data, many schools still fail to use it effectively for decision-making.
A critical concern raised was the hardware gap in Nigerian schools. Representatives from Tedro Computer Hardware stressed the importance of functional computer labs in meeting 2025 digital literacy standards. They suggested solutions like bulk hardware purchasing and long-term maintenance contracts to close this gap.
The summit ended with a call for collaboration. Speakers agreed that school success depends on partnerships—with EdTech providers, government funding bodies, and peer institutions. Working together will be essential for scaling innovation, securing resources, and building resilient, future-ready schools.
In summary, the summit revealed that Nigerian schools are well-positioned to transform their systems through technology and strategic planning. However, action must be immediate. The tools, funding, and partnerships are available—what’s needed now is the will to implement them.
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