Alausa Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Technology-Driven, Inclusive Learning
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has officially launched the Digitalization of Public Schools Initiative and commenced the distribution of Interactive Smart Boards to public schools nationwide.
The landmark event, held on October 10, 2025, at Queen’s College, Lagos, marks a major step in modernizing Nigeria’s education system and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for accessible, technology-driven, and globally competitive education.
In his address, Dr. Alausa described the initiative as a bold declaration of Nigeria’s readiness to embrace the future of learning, emphasizing that it represents not just a technological leap, but a complete transformation in how teaching and learning are delivered.
“The shift from chalkboards to smart boards marks a move from traditional, one-directional learning to dynamic, interactive, and technology-enabled classrooms. Every child, regardless of background or location, will now have access to modern, quality education that prepares them for the knowledge-driven global economy,” he stated.
The Minister further highlighted several complementary federal initiatives driving education digitalization, including the Nigeria Education Data Initiative (NEDI) for evidence-based planning, the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) for certificate authentication, and the $40 million Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project—a partnership with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to strengthen ICT infrastructure in ten universities and expand hybrid learning opportunities.
He added that through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Ministry is extending the benefits of digital education to basic and secondary schools across all states, ensuring broadband connectivity, teacher training, and the distribution of digital tools.
“Through initiatives such as the National EdTech Strategy, digital literacy training for teachers and learners, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence and robotics into our curriculum, we are building an education system that meets the demands of the digital economy,” Dr. Alausa noted.
In her remarks, UBEC Executive Secretary, Mrs. Aisha Garba, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to using technology as a driver of inclusive and equitable education. She explained that the deployment of Interactive Smart Boards will make learning more engaging, participatory, and visual.
“Interactive Smart Boards will transform classrooms by enabling teachers to integrate multimedia content and allowing students to engage through touch and interaction. Learning will become a true experience of discovery,” she said.
Mrs. Garba also outlined UBEC’s ongoing digital interventions, including:
-
The distribution of over 60,000 tablets to teachers under the BESDA-AF Project;
-
Collaboration with NITDA to develop a Digital Literacy Curriculum;
-
Establishment of Digital Learning Centres across all geopolitical zones;
-
Creation of a Department for Data and AI in Education; and
-
Upgrading the UBEC Digital Resource Centre in Abuja into a national hub for digital content development and teacher support.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Lagos State SUBEB, Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, commended the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC for their proactive collaboration with state governments. He described the initiative as a landmark step in bridging the digital divide and aligning national and sub-national efforts to enhance education.
He noted that Lagos State’s Innovate Eko STEAM Programme already provides a strong foundation for this partnership, which will further strengthen digital learning infrastructure across the country.
In her vote of thanks, Dr. (Mrs.) Obabori, Principal of Queen’s College, Lagos, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, UBEC, and all partners for their leadership and vision in driving education transformation. She commended teachers and students for embracing the new digital tools and called for continued collaboration to ensure sustainability and lasting impact.
The digitalization of public schools, she said, reflects the government’s enduring commitment to innovation, data-driven education, and social inclusion — a new era in Nigerian education that promises renewed hope for every learner, empowered teachers, and stronger institutions ready to drive national development.
With this milestone, the Federal Government has firmly set Nigeria on the path to digital inclusion, educational innovation, and global competitiveness, ensuring that every learner benefits from the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
