GetBundi, a digital educational platform dedicated to the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in junior and secondary schools, has been unveiled in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the platform is curriculum-based delivered in form of video content and taught by quality teachers across Africa.
Already, 1008 hours of audio-visual content covering six years of post-primary education has been developed, using the West African syllabus.
Mr Osita Oparaugo, founder of the platform, while unveiling it, said that the educational technology platform was designed to ease access to high quality education to young Africans.
“The platform is designed to change the life of the African youth and the trajectory of the African continent. GetBundi programmes are designed to help African youths overcome challenges with STEM subjects.
Kenechukwu Agwu, Head, Legal and Investor Relations. Osita Oparaugo, Founder. Mrs Juliet Ijeh, Course Coordinator, Rita Obi, GetBundi Student Liaison
“The product is targeted at equipping youths across Africa with high quality, accessible and affordable education.”
According to him, there is also a revision for competitive examinations like JSSCE and SSCE with monthly live questions and answer sessions, while future deployments would focus on UTME, IELTS and TOEFL programmes.
Oparaugo, however, explained that the product was not a replacement for the traditional or physical school.
“It is a supplement that can be used as a teachers’ aid, to support continuous learning in in-school students and as a study guide for out-of-school students/home schoolers.
“The courses are also useful for persons who intend to retake examinations, change their courses at the University or transit to another course that is science-based.”
Oparaugo said that the outfit would soon launch a product that would focus on Science Technology and Innovation (STI) skills.
“These skills will include video editing, digital marketing, graphic design and coding courses.
“Users, who successfully complete this course, will earn a Diploma,” he added.
Oparaugo said that the STI skills category would boost trade and help to build an African market driven by technology.
“Acquiring skills is a must for anyone in the 21st century, especially in Africa.
“STEM-focused remote jobs are in high demand and are well-paying. With so many people willing to make such switch but not knowing where to start, GetBundi is the one-stop for that,” he said.
He said that the projection was to support and upskill 10 million Africans in the next 10 years through STEM and STI digital skills acquisition.
On the cost of the product, he said that 50 dollars (or N25,000) would be charged per year, 36 dollars (or N18,000) per 180 days, while those subscribing for 90 days would pay 20 dollars (or N10,000).
Expatiating on the relevance of science and technology, he said that Singapore used it to transform to a developed nation while China used technology to become a global leader.
“These countries have flourishing economies as a result of the critical role scientific and technological advancements have played.”
He said the outfit was discussing with ECOWAS, Southern African Development Community and the African Union regarding the GetBundi product.
“We are also seeking partnership with global NGOs and multinational companies seeking to impact Africa, to cater for youths who need the product but are incapacitated by poverty, security issues, gender discrimination, among others.
Oparaugo reminded African leaders that technology was ruling the world and wondered how humanity would have coped when the whole globe was shut down by COVID-19.
He explained that excellent teachers were being engaged from Nigeria, Ghana and other countries to handle content delivery, adding that GetBundi was particularly good for Nigeria where security issues and strikes were inhibiting quality education.
Oparaugo disclosed that the platform was modelled after the Chinese distance learning programme.
“We want Africa to learn a lot from China. We borrow money from China. Our children should learn how that country grew from rags to massive riches.
“We want NGOs, CSOs and governments to buy into this platform. We are exporting lots of manpower. Let’s build our human resources so that the world can learn from Africa,” he said.
Mr Joseph Edgar, Chairman, Duke of Shomolu Productions Ltd, a play producing outfit, who spoke at the ceremony, described the platform as “apt, very good and timely”.
“Our children do not have quality education in spite of the millions we pay. What I have heard here is a huge leap forward.
“GetBundi is exciting. It can open up good educational spaces for more than 60 million people.
“The platform can address educational challenges like security, transport, huge fees, uniforms, books, among others.”
Edgar, however, suggested the need for certification to get more parents to buy into the platform.
“GetBundi is democratising education; but I suggest you seek government’s approval to run a formal entity like an online secondary school and university,” he said.
Mrs Ede Egbuche, Chairman, Fasyl Technology Group, in a remark, described the platform as “a very good initiative.”
“With several bottlenecks bugging educational growth, this idea is a product of good thinking. It is a solution to a myriad of educational concerns,” she said.
(NAN)
