The Federal Government has launched the National Smart Learning Initiative, a major step towards digitalizing public education across Nigeria.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Queen’s College, Lagos, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a technology-driven and inclusive education system.

Dr. Alausa explained that the project, which involves the distribution of interactive smart boards to public schools nationwide, marks the transition from traditional chalkboards to digital classrooms that promote interactive and innovative learning.

According to the Minister, the initiative is complemented by other federal education programmes such as the Nigeria Education Data Initiative (NEDI), the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), and a $40 million ICT-Development Project in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD). He added that through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the government is also expanding broadband connectivity, digital literacy, and teacher training across all levels of education.

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Mrs. Aisha Garba, said the Commission remains committed to integrating technology into classrooms through various interventions including the BESDA-AF tablet distribution project, the Digital Literacy Curriculum, and the newly created Artificial Intelligence in Education Department.

The National Smart Learning Initiative signals a new era for Nigeria’s education sector—one that seeks to equip students and teachers with the digital tools needed for a globally competitive, knowledge-based future.