Minister says initiative marks Nigeria’s bold step toward AI-driven, interactive learning across public schools
By HeapNews
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming public schools through digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build a knowledge-based economy and globally competitive learners.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, made this known on Friday at the launch of the Digitalisation of Public Schools Initiative and the flag-off of Interactive Smart Boards distribution held at Queen’s College, Sabo, Lagos.
The event, organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), brought together education stakeholders, government officials, and members of the school’s alumni association.
Alausa said the partnership between the Ministry and UBEC had created an enabling environment for the nationwide distribution of over 1,000 interactive smart boards and teacher training programmes.
“Education must evolve with the world of work and innovation. Hence, we are embedding AI, EdTech, Robotics, coding, and digital literacy across school curricula,” Alausa said.
He described the shift from chalkboards to smart boards as symbolic, representing a transition from traditional, one-way teaching to interactive, technology-driven learning.
“These smart boards allow teachers to integrate multimedia and real-time interaction into lessons, enabling learners to explore, engage, and create actively,” he explained.
The Minister further described the initiative as “a bold declaration of Nigeria’s readiness to embrace the future of learning,” commending President Bola Tinubu for supporting the programme. He revealed that 1,000 smart boards would be distributed to schools in Lagos to boost digital learning capacity.
Alausa also lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his Innovate Eko STEAM programme, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with modern technological skills.
In his remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, urged teachers to embrace the new devices and applauded the Federal Ministry for its forward-thinking initiative.
“The initiative ensures that every Nigerian child, regardless of background, has access to inclusive, innovative, and technology-driven education,” he said.
He noted that Lagos continues to prioritise education through classroom modernisation, vocational training, and digital literacy under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, adding that “every child deserves the right skills to think critically, act creatively, and contribute meaningfully in today’s dynamic, technology-driven society.”
Also speaking, UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Mohammed, disclosed that over 60,000 smart boards had already been distributed nationwide alongside comprehensive digital literacy training for teachers.
“UBEC has also provided assistive technologies, including talking computers for visually impaired learners, ensuring equitable access to digital learning,” she said.
Mohammed stressed that the digital transformation journey would be sustained through continuous innovation, capacity building, and long-term investment in educational technology.
Similarly, Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Mr. Hakeem Shittu, said the initiative would strengthen existing digital infrastructure and promote collaboration in tech-driven education.
“This initiative reaffirms the joint commitment of federal and state governments to bridge the digital divide and prepare learners for a future built on innovation,” Shittu stated.
He added that the digital initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus focus on education and technology.