- Nigeria is placing digital technology at the centre of sweeping education reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes.
- Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa says digital platforms will help bridge teacher shortages and reduce learning poverty.
- The reforms seek to expand equitable access to quality education through blended learning and digital innovation.
Nigeria is placing digital technology at the heart of what could become one of the most far-reaching education reforms in its history, with the Federal Government seeking to transform classroom instruction, reduce learning poverty and address persistent teacher shortages.
Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa says technology should no longer remain on the margins of education but become central to teaching and learning if Nigeria is to improve educational outcomes for millions of children.
Speaking during the Federal Ministry of Education/Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Roundtable Convening Meeting on Digital Resources for Achieving Learning Outcomes in Abuja, the minister urged State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), commissioners for education and other stakeholders to fully utilise the digital learning platforms already developed by the Federal Ministry of Education.
He observed that despite substantial public investment in education technology, many schools have yet to adopt the available digital resources.
Bridging teacher shortages
Dr. Alausa highlighted severe shortages of teachers in Mathematics, English Language, Physics and Chemistry, describing them as some of the most difficult subjects to staff, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He noted that many schools either lack specialist teachers altogether or rely on one teacher to handle multiple classes and subjects, often outside their areas of expertise.
The result, he said, is weakened foundational learning, reduced practical instruction and poor academic performance.
“We don’t have a choice. We have to use technology,” the minister said.
To support the reforms, the Federal Ministry of Education has rolled out several digital learning platforms, including the Nigeria Learning Passport, Inspire, Ignite, EduRevamp, E-Learn, the Greenfield Learning Management System and virtual classroom solutions.
The platforms provide curriculum-based lessons delivered by experienced teachers and are designed to complement—not replace—classroom educators.
Under the proposed blended learning model, schools without specialist teachers will be able to connect learners to live or recorded lessons delivered through government-supported digital platforms.
Teachers physically present in schools will supervise learning, facilitate discussions, assess learners and provide the human support that technology alone cannot deliver.
According to the minister, this approach will enable learners in remote communities to access the same quality instruction available in better-resourced urban schools.
Reducing learning poverty
The reforms come as Nigeria continues to grapple with one of the highest levels of learning poverty in Africa.
Government statistics estimate that about three out of every four children cannot read and comprehend age-appropriate text by the age of 10.
Dr. Alausa said the situation demands practical and innovative solutions rather than incremental reforms.
He challenged state governments to integrate digital learning resources into everyday classroom practice instead of treating them as optional teaching aids.
He argued that digital platforms can simultaneously improve classroom instruction, strengthen teacher capacity and expand access to quality education across the country.
Supporting the minister’s position, UBEC Executive Secretary Dr. Aisha Garba described technology as an essential tool for building an inclusive, resilient and future-ready education system.
She said UBEC has already established digital learning centres in primary and junior secondary schools, deployed smart interactive boards, strengthened education management information systems and introduced digital monitoring and evaluation platforms.
Garba also revealed that the commission has appointed Digital Champions to spearhead digital transformation within UBEC and support state governments implementing education technology initiatives.
She cautioned, however, that technology alone cannot transform education.
According to her, sustained progress will require reliable electricity, internet connectivity, continuous teacher training, strategic partnerships and strong collaboration among education stakeholders.
The Abuja roundtable brought together the Federal Ministry of Education, UBEC, state ministries of education, SUBEBs and development partners to explore practical strategies for expanding digital learning across Nigeria.
Participants also witnessed demonstrations of the ministry’s digital learning platforms and discussed how technology can improve learner engagement, strengthen classroom instruction and expand equitable access to quality education.
If successfully implemented, the reforms could help Nigeria move beyond traditional classroom instruction and establish a blended education system capable of tackling learning poverty, easing teacher shortages and equipping millions of learners with the digital skills required in the twenty-first century.
For Dr. Alausa, the message was clear: Nigeria cannot solve today’s education challenges using yesterday’s methods.
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By embracing technology as a partner in teaching, the country has an opportunity to transform learning, strengthen teacher effectiveness and ensure every child, regardless of location, has access to quality education.
By Hillry Muhalya
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