By Abiodun Abdullai
The Federal Ministry of Education has launched the Digitalisation of Public Schools Initiative and commenced the distribution of Interactive Smart Boards across public schools nationwide.
The initiative, flagged off at Queen's College, Lagos, represents a major step toward modernising Nigeria's education system in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive and technology-driven learning.
According to a statement by the Director of Press at the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, the project signals a new chapter in Nigeria's education transformation through digital infrastructure and innovation.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, described the programme as a declaration of intent to equip Nigerian students with the skills required for a technology-driven economy.
"The shift from chalkboards to smart boards marks a move from traditional to interactive, data-driven learning. Every child, regardless of background, will now have access to quality digital education," he said.
The Minister also highlighted complementary federal projects such as the Nigeria Education Data Initiative (NEDI) for data-based planning, the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) for certificate authentication, and the $40 million Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), aimed at expanding hybrid learning and strengthening ICT infrastructure in ten universities.
He added that through UBEC, the Ministry is extending digital inclusion to basic and secondary levels, providing broadband access, digital tools, and teacher training.
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In her remarks, UBEC Executive Secretary, Mrs. Aisha Garba, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to making technology an enabler of inclusive education.
"Smart boards will make classrooms more engaging and participatory. Students will learn by discovery, and teachers will integrate multimedia content into their lessons," she said.
Garba outlined UBEC's ongoing interventions, including the distribution of over 60,000 tablets to teachers under the BESDA-AF Project, development of a Digital Literacy Curriculum with NITDA, and establishment of Digital Learning Centres across all geopolitical zones.
The Chairman of Lagos SUBEB, Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, commended the partnership between the Federal Government and states, describing the initiative as "a landmark step in bridging Nigeria's digital divide."
He noted that Lagos State's Innovate Eko STEAM Programme provides a strong foundation for collaboration on digital learning infrastructure.
Principal of Queen's College, Lagos, Dr. (Mrs.) Obabori, appreciated the Federal Government and partners for championing innovation in education and urged sustained efforts to ensure long-term impact.
The Digitalisation of Public Schools Initiative reflects the government's enduring commitment to data-driven education, innovation, and social inclusion paving the way for empowered students, skilled teachers, and a workforce prepared for the digital economy.
