The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the National Smart Learning Initiative, aimed at transforming classrooms across the nation into digital learning environments.
This was contained in a press release published on the ministry’s official Facebook page e-signed by Boriowo Folasade, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education on Friday 10th October, 25.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, unveiled the initiative on October 10, 2025, at Queen’s College, Lagos. The launch marks the beginning of the Digitalization of Public Schools Initiative and the nationwide distribution of Interactive Smart Boards to public schools.
Dr. Alausa described the initiative as a bold and strategic step toward modernizing Nigeria’s education system, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a technology-driven and inclusive learning environment.
He stated that transitioning from chalkboards to smart boards represents “a transformation from traditional to interactive classrooms that prepare students for a global, knowledge-based economy.”
In his remarks, the Minister highlighted ongoing federal projects supporting this digital transformation, including:
- Nigeria Education Data Initiative (NEDI) – focused on improving educational data collection and management.
- Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) – to centralize educational resources and research.
- ICT-Dev Project (worth $40 million) – in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), to boost ICT infrastructure and hybrid learning nationwide.
He further emphasized that through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Federal Government is expanding broadband connectivity, enhancing digital literacy, and improving teacher training across all educational levels.
UBEC’s Drive for Technology-Integrated Learning
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Mrs. Aisha Garba, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to embedding technology in Nigerian classrooms. She cited several ongoing initiatives under UBEC’s leadership, including:
- BESDA-AF Tablet Distribution Project
- Digital Literacy Curriculum Implementation
- Creation of an AI in Education Department
According to Mrs. Garba, these efforts are designed to ensure that students and teachers alike are equipped with 21st-century digital skills necessary for innovation, creativity, and global competitiveness.
The National Smart Learning Initiative marks a major step toward achieving a digitally inclusive and innovation-driven education sector. By replacing outdated chalkboards with interactive smart boards, the Federal Government aims to bridge the technological gap between Nigerian students and their global peers, fostering a new generation of digitally literate citizens ready to lead in the information age.
