News Investigators/ The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) says 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the partnership is between UBEC, the 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 on Monday, UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, said the scheme aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mrs 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 no Nigerian child was left behind.
“By leveraging the DLN’s technology and the 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 Goal.
“It’s a transformative leap to our education system in Nigeria. In addition to the 47 million devices and laptops, there will also be a provision of internet connectivity.
“We are working with all the relevant partners, ensuring that there’s infrastructure, as well as the minimum standards across all the schools that will benefit under this particular project,” she said.
Mrs Garba said regional hubs would be established across the six geo-political zones for device assembly and distribution, to create jobs, boost local expertise and strengthen the economy.
She also said 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 educators were equipped to maximise the use of technology in classrooms.
Citing Lagos State’s success in leveraging public-private partnerships 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.
Mr 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 also 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 the Nigerian Governors Forum to make certain that the project is rolled out across the entire country.
“This is a unique opportunity for Nigeria. We have the partners who come with the capital, and we’re 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
