The 2026 Best ICT-Driven Educator in Africa, Chekwube Ifetike, has attributed his rise in the global ICT education space partly to a one-million-naira grant he received from the Anambra State Government.
Ifetike disclosed this in an interview with ABS, where he recounted his journey in ICT education, the challenges he encountered and the support that contributed to his achievements.
The educator had earlier emerged as the Best South-East Teacher in Nigeria at the National Teachers Institute Summit in Abuja before being named Best ICT-Driven Educator in Africa at the Africa Teachers Festival.
According to Ifetike, his journey into ICT education began in 2010 when he was among 200 ICT teachers employed by the then Anambra State Government.
He was posted to Government Technical College, Onitsha, where he championed the establishment of a Computer Craft trade department aimed at equipping students with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Ifetike said successive administrations in Anambra had supported teachers through professional development, capacity-building programmes, grants and the provision of laptops.
He said his training and certification as a Microsoft Educator and Microsoft Technology Associate further strengthened his capacity and marked a turning point in his ICT education career.
The educator also identified his community, Umuerum in Ayamelum Local Government Area, as a major source of inspiration, particularly after observing declining school enrolment and untapped talents among children in the area.
He cited inadequate electricity and limited internet access as some of the major challenges affecting ICT education in rural communities.
Ifetike said the state government later recognised his efforts with a cash award of ₦200,000 and a ₦1 million grant to his school.
He explained that the grant was invested in developing students’ ICT skills and establishing a Young Inventors Club.
Through the initiative, he said more than 10,000 students have been trained in areas including robotics, coding, programming, digital literacy, phone and computer repairs and maintenance.
Reflecting on his latest recognition, Ifetike said his focus on inclusive education has distinguished his work, particularly his efforts to reach students with special needs, children in rural communities and those living in flood-prone areas.
He said his vision is to take education and digital skills to children who may otherwise be left behind.
Ifetike commended the Anambra State Government for its continued investment in education, saying his vision aligns with the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, particularly its efforts to improve teachers’ digital capacity through initiatives such as the Solution Teachers digital training programme.
