FG launches digitalisation of public schools, begins smartboard distribution nationwide

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the country’s education system to meet the demands of the digital economy and align with global best practices.

He gave this assurance in Lagos during the official launch of the Digitalisation of Public Schools Initiative and the flag-off of the distribution of interactive smartboards at Queen’s College, Lagos, on Friday.

No fewer than 800 of the digital boards have already been distributed to some public schools across the country.

The scheme will cover both federal government colleges and state-owned secondary schools, even as the smartboard distribution exercise is part of a long-term plan.

According to the minister, the Digitalisation of Public Schools scheme aims to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality and technology-enabled learning.

Alausa stated that the introduction of smartboards would gradually phase out traditional chalkboards, which promote one-directional teaching and learning across public schools in the country.

He said the shift would make teaching and learning more dynamic, interactive, and technology-driven, allowing students to engage and explore more effectively.

The minister pointed out that the smartboards would enable teachers to integrate multimedia, digital textbooks, and real-time interaction into their lessons, while learners would go beyond listening to touching, exploring, and engaging.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the country’s basic education system, empower teachers with innovative instructional tools, and improve learning outcomes.

To foster innovation, the minister also announced plans to establish Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres nationwide.

He said this step would be taken in partnership with various state governments and the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) to build capacity for STEMM educators, promote inquiry-based learning, and expand teacher digital literacy and EdTech training to make classrooms smarter and teachers more effective.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, underscored the significance of the initiative, describing it as a clear demonstration of the government’s resolve to bring technology directly into the classroom.

She observed that with smartboards, teachers would be able to integrate multimedia content, simulations, and real-time feedback during lessons, while pupils could interact more actively.

She noted that this reflects the evolution of education in today’s technology-driven economy, where education is no longer a mere process of instruction but an experience of discovery.

According to her, through digital tools such as smartboards, tablets, and online content, learners will have access to quality learning opportunities that meet global standards.

Garba, however, called on stakeholders—especially corporate organisations and individuals—to support the project, stressing that the government alone cannot achieve the vision of bringing digital learning to all public schools.

She noted that UBEC also has other plans to strengthen the country’s basic education system, identifying digital capacity building for teachers and the development of localised digital learning content as key priorities.

Speaking on the initiative, the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, described it as a significant milestone in the government’s quest to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that every child, regardless of socio-economic background, has access to digital tools for quality education.

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He noted that Lagos State prioritises digital learning as well as technical and vocational education, as embedded in the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the current administration.

He said the state government believes that every child has the right to acquire the necessary skills to become more creative, inventive, and solution-oriented as they grow into adulthood.

He added that the introduction of interactive smartboards in public schools would revolutionise the way teachers teach and students learn, making lessons more effective and engaging, and learners more inquisitive and interactive.

The step, he said, will help the country achieve its goal of producing well-rounded and globally competitive citizens.

Alli-Balogun commended UBEC for its efforts in promoting basic education across the country and also lauded development partners for their collaboration in supporting the agency’s initiatives.

He urged the intended users of the smartboards to make good use of the tools.

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