The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has launched the Digitalization of Public Schools Initiative and started distributing Interactive Smart Boards to public schools across the country.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Queen’s College, Lagos, Dr. Alausa described the initiative as “a bold step toward modernizing education in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for technology-driven, inclusive learning.” He stated that the move from chalkboards to smart boards signifies “a transformation from traditional to interactive, digital classrooms that prepare students for a global, knowledge-based economy.”
The Minister explained that the new education technology project aligns with other ongoing federal efforts, including the Nigeria Education Data Initiative (NEDI), the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), and the $40 million ICT-Dev Project with the French Development Agency (AFD). These programs aim to strengthen ICT infrastructure, promote hybrid learning, and enhance the country’s digital education framework.
Dr. Alausa added that through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Ministry is expanding broadband access, promoting digital literacy, and providing teacher training across primary and secondary schools nationwide.
Mrs. Aisha Garba, Executive Secretary of UBEC, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to integrating technology into classrooms, highlighting the BESDA-AF tablet distribution, the Digital Literacy Curriculum, and the creation of an AI in Education Department as part of the government’s broader digital learning strategy.
She noted that the initiative signals “a new era of innovation and inclusion,” ensuring public schools are equipped for a digitally empowered future.