The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to improve learning outcomes across Nigeria by expanding access to digital education resources and encouraging states to fully embrace technology-driven platforms aimed at enhancing teaching, strengthening foundational literacy, and addressing teacher shortages nationwide.
Speaking at the Federal Ministry of Education and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Roundtable Convening Meeting on Digital Resources Available to Achieving Learning Outcomes in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the government's investment in digital education is a significant milestone in tackling learning poverty and ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, regardless of location.
The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government has introduced several digital learning platforms, including the Nigeria Learning Passport, Inspire, Ignite, EduRevamp, E-Learn, the Greenfield Learning Management System, and virtual classroom solutions to support classroom teaching and improve educational outcomes across the country.
He revealed that the Nigeria Learning Passport has already recorded approximately 2.3 million users, describing the achievement as a solid foundation that states should build upon to reach millions more learners.
According to him, the platforms offer curriculum-based lessons delivered by some of Nigeria's most experienced teachers and provide practical solutions to the shortage of qualified educators, particularly in Mathematics, English Language, Physics, and Chemistry.
He explained that schools facing shortages of teachers can utilise both live and recorded virtual lessons, allowing students to receive quality instruction and interact with teachers remotely.
However, the Minister stressed that wider adoption of the digital platforms is necessary for the country to fully benefit from the Federal Government's investment.
"Learning poverty means that by the age of 10, a child cannot read and understand an age-appropriate text. In Nigeria today, three out of every four children are learning poor. That is simply unacceptable," he said.
He noted that the statistics underscore the urgent need to deploy digital technology to improve learning outcomes across the nation.
"We don't have a choice. We have to use technology. It is no longer feasible to continue to do things manually. Digital learning is the future, and we must deploy it to every part of the country, including the most rural communities," he added.
Alausa urged state governments to organise orientation programmes for school principals and teachers to ensure the effective use of the digital platforms, while also strengthening monitoring systems to support successful implementation in schools.
He further disclosed that UBEC is constructing digital learning resource centres equipped with computers, smart boards, and solar-powered electricity systems in schools across the country to increase access to technology-enabled education.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, described technology as an essential tool for building an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready education system.
She highlighted UBEC's achievements, including the establishment of digital learning centres in primary and junior secondary schools, the deployment of smart interactive boards, improvements in education data management systems, and the introduction of digital monitoring and evaluation platforms.
Garba also announced that the Commission has inaugurated Digital Champions to drive digital transformation within UBEC and support state governments in implementing education technology initiatives.
She emphasised that while technology is a critical enabler of educational development, lasting reforms will depend on sustained collaboration, effective coordination, continuous capacity building, and the collective commitment of stakeholders to embrace innovation.
The roundtable meeting brought together officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, Commissioners for Education, Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards, and development partners to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the adoption of digital learning resources across Nigeria.
ADENIJI SAMUEL
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