Digital Literacy / Capacity Building
Certified Digital Educator Program (CDEP)
The Certified Digital Educator Program (CDEP) is a government-initiated training intervention designed and implemented under the office of the Special Senior Adviser on ICT, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area. The program targeted primary and secondary school teachers across the LGA, organizing them into three groups (A, B, and C) to ensure manageable, stress-free learning sessions held six days per week over 12 weeks. Each group attended two 2-hour sessions weekly, with trainers providing daily facilitation. The curriculum progressed through three phases: Digital Foundations (computer basics, typing, and document creation), Productivity Tools (Excel, PowerPoint, email, and Google tools), and AI & Modern Teaching (introductory AI use for lesson preparation and quiz generation). A transparent assessment system covering attendance (30%), practical tasks (40%), and a final test (30%) ensured accountability without pressure. Participants who met the 70% attendance threshold and completed all assessments received certificates of completion.
Challenge
Many public school teachers in Igbo-Etiti LGA lacked basic digital literacy skills, making it difficult to prepare structured lesson notes, manage student records efficiently, or leverage modern teaching tools. The absence of prior ICT training - combined with limited infrastructure, irregular power supply, and teacher anxiety around technology - created a significant gap between the LGA's educational potential and actual classroom outcomes
Solution
As SSA on ICT, I designed and implemented the Certified Digital Educator Program (CDEP) - a practical, low-pressure 12-week curriculum delivered in small rotating groups to reduce overcrowding and mental fatigue. The program was structured to teach one core skill per session, progressing from basic computer operation to productivity tools and finally to AI-assisted teaching. Operational sustainability was built into the model, with predictable generator usage (360 litres of fuel across 72 training days) and dedicated trainer support. A simple attendance and assessment system ensured measurable outcomes without intimidating participants.
Results
Teachers across Igbo-Etiti LGA gained hands-on proficiency in computer operation, document creation, Excel-based record keeping, PowerPoint presentations, internet communication, and basic AI tools for lesson planning. The program produced certified digital educators equipped to modernize their classrooms, reduce administrative workload, and confidently use technology in their daily teaching practice - directly raising the standard of education delivery across the LGA.