The Federal Government has expressed its full readiness to digitally transform education delivery in basic public schools across the country.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known on Friday in Lagos during the official launch of the Digitalization of Public Schools Initiative and the flag-off of the distribution of Interactive Smart Boards for public schools nationwide.
The initiative, driven by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), aims to expand access to quality education and modern learning tools for Nigerian children.
“Today’s event is more than a technological upgrade; it is a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to embrace the future of learning. Our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of background or location, has access to quality, modern, technology-enabled education,” the minister stated.
Alausa said that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the core of national development.
Speaking on ongoing government efforts to modernize education, Alausa said the Federal Government is transforming Nigeria’s learning environment to meet the demands of the digital economy and build a globally competitive, knowledge-driven 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,” he said.
According to him, the introduction of smart boards represents a shift from traditional chalkboard methods to dynamic, technology-driven classrooms that foster exploration and creativity.
“These smart boards will allow teachers to integrate multimedia, digital textbooks, and real-time interaction into their lessons. Learners will learn by touching, exploring, and engaging — not just listening,” he added.
Alausa commended UBEC and the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) for their leadership and partnership in implementing the digital transformation agenda.
According to him, notable milestones achieved in this partnership include: “Over 1,000 Interactive Smart Boards distributed nationwide, with accompanying teacher training;
“Provision of 140 talking computers for learners with visual impairments;
“Supply of 250 desktop computers for Second-Chance Schools to support ICT-enabled learning for out-of-school youth;
“Over 4 million core textbooks and 419,000 library resource materials to boost early-grade literacy and numeracy; and upgrading the Digital Resource Centre in Abuja as a national hub for teacher training, content development, and data management.”
On her part, UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, described the event as a milestone in the country’s journey toward digitalizing basic education.
“It demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that no child, teacher, or school is left behind in the ongoing global digital revolution,” she said.
Garba emphasized that digital transformation is now central to progress worldwide, adding that education must keep pace with this shift.
“The world today is driven by knowledge and powered by technology. Digital transformation has become the bedrock of progress across every sector — and education must not be left behind,” she said.
The Executive Secretary noted that the use of interactive smart boards will revolutionize classroom teaching and learning by making lessons more engaging and participatory.
“Teachers will now be able to integrate multimedia content, simulations, and real-time feedback during lessons. Pupils can engage more actively — touching, responding, and participating in ways that make learning memorable,” Garba added.
According to her, technology-enabled education ensures equal learning opportunities across all parts of the country.
Garba praised the Minister of Education for his visionary leadership, noting that several transformative programmes have been initiated under his watch.
These include the BESDA-AF Initiative where over 60,000 tablets were distributed to teachers across the country; collaboration 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; establishment of Digital Learning Centres; Creation of a Dedicated Department for Data and AI in Education, among others.
“As we flag off the distribution of interactive smart boards today, I want to emphasize that this is only the beginning. The digital transformation of our basic education system is a long-term journey — one that demands sustainability, capacity development, and continuous innovation,” she said.