Forty-seven million pupils and teachers will receive free laptops and tablets this year under a plan aimed at enhancing digital learning in public schools.
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) signed an agreement with the Digital Learning Network in Abuja, promising devices for children from pre-primary to junior secondary level in “smart schools” across the federation.
Officials say the scheme, funded entirely by private partners at no cost to the government, will come with free data, digital textbooks and interactive lessons in line with the national curriculum.
UBEC head Aisha Garba described the project as a turning point in bridging the digital divide, pledging training for teachers and close monitoring to ensure proper use of the devices.
However, questions remain about whether such an ambitious programme can be delivered, given Nigeria’s patchy internet access and past struggles with large-scale education reforms.
If successful, the initiative could transform classrooms into virtual learning spaces, easing the chronic gap in quality education across states.
