The Federal Government and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), on Friday, began a nationwide distribution of Interactive Smart Board to public schools in the country.

The launch of the digitalization of public schools initiative was performed at Queen?s College, Yaba, by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa supported by the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba and other senior management of the commission.

In his address, Dr. Alausa, said that over 1,000 interactive smart boards will be distributed nationwide, with accompanying teacher training of primary and junior secondary school tutors.

His words: Today?s event is more than a technological upgrade; it is a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to embrace the future of learning. Our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of background or location has access to quality, modern, technology-enabled education.?

?We are transforming Nigeria?s education system to meet the demands of the digital economy and build a globally competitive, knowledge-based society.?

According to him, the smart board would allow teachers to integrate multimedia, digital textbooks, and real-time interaction into other lessons, noting that learners would learn by touching, exploring, and engaging and not just listening.

Alausa disclosed that through UBEC, NITDA, and other agencies, ?we are extending these efforts to basic and secondary schools with broadband connectivity, tablets, and teacher training nationwide.

He explained that the partnership included the deployment of over 1,000 interactive smart boards with teacher training, provision of 250 desktop computers for second-chance schools, provision of over four million core textbooks and 419,000 library resources materials to boost early-grade literacy and upgrade of the Digital Resource Centre in Abuja as a national hub for teacher training.

Today we launch not just an initiative but a new era in Nigerian education- one that is inclusive, data-driven, and innovation-led. Together, we will make Nigerian education a model of digital innovation in Africa, equipping every child, every teacher, and every school to thrive in the knowledge economy of tomorrow,? Alausa stated.

In her address, UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, described the digitalization of public schools and distribution of Interactive smart boards as a major milestone in our collective journey towards transforming Nigeria?s basic education system through digital innovation.

Garba observed that the World today is driven by knowledge and powered by technology, stating the digital transformation has become the bedrock of progress across every sector- and education must not be left behind.

Said she: ?Digital transformation in education is not merely about providing devices or connectivity; it is about rethinking teaching and learning-making it more engaging, inclusive, and effective. It allows teachers to personalize instruction, enhances students? participation, and bridges the gap between rural and urban learning environments.?

The UBEC said through digital tools like smart boards, tablets, and online content, ?we can ensure that learners in every part of Nigeria- from Lagos to Sokoto, from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri-have access to quality learning opportunities that meet global standards.?

Garba argued that the initiatives form a solid foundation for the work at UBEC and revealed that the commission has been making concerted efforts to promote the digitalization of education across the country.

The executive secretary of UBEC stressed that the government alone cannot achieve the vision, thus digitalization of education requires the cooperation of multiple stakeholders including development partners.

She maintained that the digital transformation of the basic education system is a long-term journey, one that demands sustainability, capacity development, and continuous innovation.

Garba stressed that with the flag off of the initiative, ?we are shaping the future of Nigerian education. We are proving that with the right tools, the right vision, and the right commitment, every child can learn, every teacher can innovate, and every school can transform. (Daily Sun)

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