As FG distributes smartboards to public schools
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has declared that the Nigerian education system is being repositioned to meet the demands of the digital economy and build a globally competitive, knowledge-based society.
Alausa, who stated this at the official launch of the digitalisation of public schools’ initiative and flag-off of the distribution of interactive smartboards at Queens College, Lagos, said the goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality and technology-enabled education.
He spoke as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) unveiled the full-scale digitisation of public primary and junior secondary schools by distributing interactive smart boards.
Alausa noted that the shift from chalkboards to smartboards marks a transition from traditional, one-directional learning methods, characterised by repetitive teaching, to dynamic, interactive, and technology-enabled active learning, where students learn by engaging, exploring, and creating.
The minister pointed out that the smartboards will allow teachers to integrate multimedia, digital textbooks, and real-time interaction into their lessons, while learners will go beyond listening to touching, exploring and engaging.
The initiative aims to enhance the country’s basic education system, equip teachers with innovative instructional tools, and enhance learning outcomes.
At least 800 interactive smart boards have been distributed across the country’s public primary and junior secondary schools.
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 across the country, in partnership with states; support Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) to build capacity for STEMM educators to promote enquiry-based learning, while also expanding teacher digital literacy and Edtech training to make classrooms smarter, and teachers more effective.
In her address, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, noted that the initiative is a clear demonstration of the government’s resolve to bring technology directly into the classroom.
With the smartboards, Garba said teachers will be able to integrate multimedia content, simulations and real-time feedback during lessons, while pupils can engage more actively.
“This is how education becomes not just a process of instruction, but an experience of discovery,” she stated.
Through digital tools like smartboards, tablets, and online content, the UBEC chief noted that learners will have access to quality learning opportunities that meet global standards.
While soliciting the support of stakeholders in the digitalisation process, Garba stated that the government alone cannot achieve the vision.
