The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming public schools through digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build a knowledge-based economy and globally competitive learners.

Minister of education, Maruf Alausa, stated this at the launch of the Digitalisation of Public Schools Initiative and the flag-off of Interactive Smart Boards distribution in Nigeria.

The event, organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), was held on Friday at Queen’s College, Sabo, Lagos, with dignitaries, stakeholders, and the school’s alumni in attendance.

Mr Alausa said the partnership with UBEC had created an enabling environment for the nationwide distribution of over 1,000 interactive smart boards and teacher training programmes.

“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 added that the shift from chalkboards to smart boards symbolised a move from one-way teaching to interactive, technology-driven learning that promotes engagement and creativity. 

“These smart boards allow teachers to integrate multimedia and real-time interaction into lessons, enabling learners to explore, engage, and create actively,” the minister explained.

Mr Alausa described the initiative as more than a technological upgrade, calling it a bold declaration of Nigeria’s readiness to embrace the future of learning.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the initiative, noting that 1,000 smart boards would be distributed to schools in Lagos to enhance digital learning.

The minister also praised Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his Innovate Eko STEAM programme aimed at equipping young people with modern technological skills.

Commissioner for basic and secondary education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, urged teachers to embrace the new devices and commended the federal ministry for its forward-thinking initiative.

He said UBEC had distributed over 800 interactive smart boards to basic education schools nationwide to bridge the learning gap and improve education quality.

“The initiative ensures that every Nigerian child, regardless of background, has access to inclusive, innovative, and technology-driven education,” Mr  Alli-Balogun said.

He added that Lagos State continues to prioritise education through classroom modernisation, vocational training, and digital literacy under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.

“Every child deserves the right skills to think critically, act creatively, and contribute meaningfully in today’s dynamic, technology-driven society,” he said. 

Earlier, UBEC executive secretary, Aisha Mohammed, said over 60,000 smart boards had been distributed nationwide alongside comprehensive digital literacy training for teachers.

She explained that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda for Education, which aims to transform Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-driven economy.

“UBEC has also provided assistive technologies, including talking computers for visually impaired learners, ensuring equitable access to digital learning,” she said.

Ms Mohammed noted that the digital transformation journey would be sustained through continuous innovation, capacity building, and long-term investment in educational technology.

Executive chairman of LASUBEB, Hakeem Shittu, said the UBEC initiative would strengthen existing digital infrastructure and promote collaboration in tech-driven education.

“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 stated.

He added that the digital initiative forms a key part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aligns with Mr Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus focus on education and technology.

 (NAN)