LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY TO REACH AND EDUCATE OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated "Leveraging Technology to Reach and Educate Out-of-School Children in Gwagwalada, Area Council, FCT, Abuja." The main objective was to examine how technological innovations can be used to address the increasing number of out-of-school children in Gwagwalada, especially in improving access to quality education for the marginalised. The research design used was a descriptive survey, and self-structured questionnaires were administered to educators, policymakers, and technology experts. It also investigated the application of digital tools, e-learning platforms and mobile technology in closing the educational gap in underserved and rural areas. The target group consisted of stakeholders in educational institutions and technology companies, from which 150 respondents were selected using stratified sampling techniques to ensure a diverse perspective. In this regard, a pilot study of 20 respondents aimed at instrument validation was done, and a reliability coefficient of 0.82 was established using Cronbach's Alpha. The findings of the study revealed that technology can significantly facilitate access to education for out-of-school children through flexible, cost-effective, and scalable solutions. Effective delivery tools included mobile learning applications, radio and television broadcasts, and community-based digital hubs. Other challenges identified in the study included a lack of access to digital devices, poor Internet connectivity, inadequate training for educators, and resistance to adopting new technologies. Based on this finding, the study recommends increasing investments in digital infrastructure and providing learning devices at more affordable costs to underserved communities.