Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa
in a collective journey toward transforming Nigeria’s basic education system through digital innovation, the Federal Government at the weekend launched a digitalization of public schools initiative.
Speaking at the flag up ceremony in Lagos, the Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa disclosed that the initiative was a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to embrace the future of learning.
He said that the goal of the present administration is to ensure that every child, regardless of background or location has access to quality, modern, technology-enabled education.
“This gathering reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,, whose visionary leadership places education at the heart of national transformation. Through initiatives such as:NEDI (Nigeria Education Data Initiative) for evidence-based planning;The National EdTech Strategy to promote digital learning; Renewed focus on STEMM and Technical Education; and Expanded teacher and learner digital literacy training”.
” we are transforming Nigeria’s education system to meet the demands of the digital economy and build a globally competitive, knowledge-based society. Education must evolve with the world of work, innovation, and national competitiveness. That is why we are embedding AI, EdTech, and digital literacy across curricula — ensuring our youth are equipped with STEMM, data, and coding skills for the future”.
According to him, the shift from chalkboards to smart boards marks a transition from traditional, one-directional learning by repetition teaching methods to dynamic, interactive, and technology-enabled active learning, enabling interactive classrooms where students learn by engaging, exploring, and creating.
“These smart boards will allow teachers to intergrate multimedia, digital textbooks, and real-time interaction into their lessons. Learners will learn by touching, exploring, and engaging and not just listening. Our reforms are anchored on data and integrity:NEDI harmonizes national education data to improve resource allocation and accountability.NERD (Nigeria Education Repository and Databank) ensures all certificates carry a National Credential Number and QR code for authenticity”.
“These systems put Nigeria firmly on the path to data-driven education governance.To foster innovation, we are:Establishing STEMM and TVET centres nationwide in partnership with states and development partners; Supporting the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) to build capacity for STEMM educators to promote inquiry-based learning Embedding AI, robotics, and coding in curricula; andExpanding teacher digital literacy and EdTech training to make classrooms smarter and teachers more effective”.
” With the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), we launched the $40 million Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project to improve ICT infrastructure in 10 universities — supporting hybrid learning, data modernization, and digital access for underserved communities.Through UBEC, NITDA, and other agencies, we are extending these efforts to basic and secondary schools with broadband connectivity, tablets, and teacher training nationwide”.
He commended UBEC and the SUBEBs for their exemplary leadership and strong partnership in driving this ambitious digital transformation agenda in basic education with purposeful implementation and measurable impact.
On her part, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Aisha Garba disclosed that UBEC was distributing over 800 Interactive Smart Boards to public schools across the 36 states and the FCT.
According to her, the distribution would go along with teacher training and installation support to ensure effective use.
She stated that Universal Basic Education Commission has been making concerted efforts to promote the digitalization of education across the federation.
“I am proud to highlight some of our key interventions in this regard:The BESDA-AF Initiative: Under this project, over 60,000 tablets were distributed to teachers across the country. These devices came with comprehensive digital literacy training, empowering teachers to integrate technology into classroom delivery.Collaboration with NITDA”.
Garba noted that UBEC has worked closely with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to develop a Digital Literacy Curriculum for Basic Education and to train teachers nationwide on digital literacy competencies.
In the area of establishment of Digital Learning Centres, the Executive Secretary revealed that the commission has in Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, established Digital Learning Centres to serve as hubs for technology-based learning, research, and teacher capacity development.Promotion of Inclusive Education.
” Recognizing the importance of equity, UBEC has provided assistive technologies, including talking computers for the visually impaired, ensuring that every learner, regardless of ability, benefits from digital inclusion.Creation of a Dedicated Department for Data and AI in Education”.
” We have institutionalized a department within UBEC to cater for data management, artificial intelligence in education, and emerging educational technologies. This department ensures sustainability and innovation in our digitalization drive”, she said.
She commended the Minister of Education who has provided visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning education in Nigeria.
The UBEC Boss said, under his stewardship, several transformative initiatives have taken shape, including:The Nigerian Educational Data Initiative (NEDI), which is strengthening evidence-based planning and decision-making across the education sector among others.
