The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s public schools through digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), aimed at building a knowledge-driven economy and nurturing globally competitive learners.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, stated this during the launch of the Digitalisation of Public Schools Initiative and the flag-off of the nationwide distribution of Interactive Smart Boards, held on Friday at Queen’s College, Sabo, Lagos.
Organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the event brought together dignitaries, stakeholders, and alumni of the school. Dr. Alausa said the initiative represents a major step towards modernising teaching and learning across the country.
“Education must evolve with the world of work and innovation. Hence, we are embedding AI, EdTech, Robotics, coding, and digital literacy across school curricula,” he said.
He noted that the transition from traditional chalkboards to interactive smart boards marks a move from one-way instruction to technology-driven learning that fosters engagement, creativity, and problem-solving.
“These smart boards allow teachers to integrate multimedia and real-time interaction into lessons, enabling learners to explore, engage, and create actively,” Alausa explained.
Describing the project as “more than a technological upgrade,” the Minister said it signals Nigeria’s readiness to embrace the future of learning. He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the initiative, adding that 1,000 smart boards would be distributed to schools in Lagos to enhance digital learning.
Dr. Alausa also lauded Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the Innovate Eko STEAM programme, which equips young people with modern technological skills in line with the federal government’s education reform agenda.
Lagos Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, urged teachers to embrace the new tools, noting that UBEC had distributed over 800 interactive smart boards to schools nationwide to bridge the learning gap and improve quality education.
“The initiative ensures that every Nigerian child, regardless of background, has access to inclusive, innovative, and technology-driven education,” he said, adding that Lagos State remains committed to classroom modernisation, vocational training, and digital literacy under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.
Earlier, UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Mohammed, disclosed that more than 60,000 smart boards had been distributed nationwide, alongside comprehensive digital literacy training for teachers.
She explained that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Education, aimed at transforming Nigeria from a resource-dependent to a knowledge-driven economy.
“UBEC has also provided assistive technologies, including talking computers for visually impaired learners, ensuring equitable access to digital education,” she added.
Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Mr. Hakeem Shittu, said the initiative would strengthen digital infrastructure and foster collaboration between federal and state governments to advance tech-driven education.
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“This initiative reaffirms the joint commitment of federal and state governments to bridge the digital divide and prepare learners for a future built on innovation,” he said.
Shittu emphasised that the digitalisation project reflects a shared vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda and Lagos’ THEMES Plus strategy, both prioritising education, technology, and innovation as tools for national transformation.
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