FG launches digital learning, distributes smart boards to basic schools
By Uji A. Iliyasu, Abuja
The Federal Government has declared its readiness to digitally transform teaching and learning in public basic schools across Nigeria.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this known on Friday in Lagos during the official launch of the Digitalisation of Public Schools Initiative and the flag-off of the distribution of Interactive Smart Boards to 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 pupils.
“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.
Dr Alausa said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the heart of national development.
Highlighting ongoing government efforts to modernise education, the minister noted that 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.
He said the introduction of smart boards marks a shift from traditional chalkboard methods to dynamic, technology-driven classrooms that promote exploration and creativity.
“These smart boards will enable teachers to integrate multimedia content, digital textbooks, and real-time interaction into their lessons. Learners will learn by touching, exploring, and engaging — not just listening.”
The minister commended UBEC and the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) for their partnership and leadership in driving the digital transformation agenda.
He outlined some notable achievements from this collaboration, including: distribution of over 1,000 interactive smart boards nationwide, alongside teacher training;
provision of 140 talking computers for learners with visual impairments;
supply of 250 desktop computers to Second-Chance Schools to support ICT-enabled learning for out-of-school youth;
distribution of over 4 million core textbooks and 419,000 library resource materials to enhance early-grade literacy and numeracy; and upgrading of the Digital Resource Centre in Abuja as a national hub for teacher training, content development, and data management.
In her remarks, UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr Aisha Garba, described the launch as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards the digitalisation of 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.
Dr Garba stressed that digital transformation has become central to development across all sectors, and 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 — and education must not be left behind,” she said.
She noted that the introduction of interactive smart boards would revolutionise 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,” she said.
According to the Executive Secretary, technology-enabled education also helps ensure equitable learning opportunities across all regions of the country.
Dr Garba commended the Minister of Education for his visionary leadership, noting that several transformative programmes had been initiated under his watch.
These include the BESDA-AF Initiative, under which over 60,000 tablets were distributed to teachers nationwide; collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to develop a Digital Literacy Curriculum for Basic Education and to train teachers on digital competencies; establishment of Digital Learning Centres; and the creation of a Dedicated Department for Data and Artificial Intelligence in Education, among others.
“As we flag off the distribution of interactive smart boards today, I want to emphasise that this is only the beginning. The digital transformation of our basic education system is a long-term journey — one that requires sustainability, capacity development, and continuous innovation,” Dr Garba added.