Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, said about 47 million students in pre-primary, primary and junior secondary schools will benefit from its new digital learning initiative under a Public-Private-Partnership, PPP.
The partnership is between UBEC, Digital Learning Network, DLN, and leading technology and finance firms, including Samsung, Huawei and Zenith Bank.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, in Abuja Monday, its Executive Secretary, Mrs Aisha Garba, said the scheme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Garba said the project would provide laptops and devices for pupils, while teachers would also be equipped with digital tools to improve classroom delivery.
She said special focus would be placed on remote and underserved communities, ensuring that no Nigerian child is left behind.
“By leveraging DLN’s technology and financing model, we can bridge the digital divide and ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education.
“This is in line with the president’s agenda, with the national policy on education, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
“It is a transformative leap to our education system in Nigeria. In addition to the 47 million devices and laptops, there will also be internet connectivity.
“We are working with relevant partners, ensuring that there is infrastructure, as well as the minimum standard across schools that will benefit under this particular project,” she said.
Garba said regional hubs would be established across the six geopolitical zones for device assembly and distribution, to create jobs, boost local expertise and strengthen the economy.
She also said the government’s role would include technical and financial support to guarantee inclusivity and nationwide implementation.
She said the National Teachers Institute, NTI, would collaborate with UBEC to deliver training programmes that align with national standards, ensuring that educators are equipped to maximise the use of technology in classrooms.
Citing Lagos State’s success in leveraging PPPs to achieve high enrolment and improved quality, Garba expressed optimism that the new national model would replicate similar results across the country.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, and President of DLN, Thomas Larmena, said the project is in collaboration with Samsung, the National Credit Guarantee Company and several financial institutions.
Larmena said with the partnership, Nigeria would drive the largest digital transformation education project across Africa.
He said the project would deliver a fully transformed education sector at no cost to the federal and state governments, while minimising expenses for parents and students.
He said the project’s rollout had already commenced, with the first agreement signed in Akwa Ibom State earlier this week.
“We are in discussion with multiple stakeholders, including the chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum to ensure that the project is rolled out across the entire country.
“This is a unique opportunity for Nigeria. We have the partners who came with the capital, and we are looking to work hand-in-hand with the team at UBEC in developing, customising and rolling out this project across the country,” he said. (NAN)
