Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has declared that Nigeria is making a decisive leap into digital education as part of sweeping reforms aimed at modernising the country’s learning environment and preparing young Nigerians for global competitiveness.
“Education is changing across the world, and Nigeria must not be left behind. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) to digital literacy, we are embedding technology into every aspect of learning. This is the big leap we must take if we want to build an education system that is modern, inclusive, and globally competitive,” Alausa said at a media parley in Abuja.
According to him, the federal government has already started deploying new tools to drive this transformation.
“The ministry has begun rolling out solar-powered infrastructure in schools to ensure reliable electricity, while teachers are being equipped with tablets and trained in digital skills. Local technology firms are also being engaged to develop AI-driven learning platforms, e-libraries, and interactive tools to support the reforms,” he explained.
“These innovations will make classrooms smarter, learning more engaging, and teachers more effective. Beyond improving outcomes, they will prepare Nigerian students for a digital economy that rewards creativity, problem-solving, and global collaboration,” he added.
On flagship programmes, the minister pointed to the launch of the Blueprint ICT Development (Blueprint-ICT-Dev) Project, a €38 million programme funded by the French Development Agency (AFD).
“This project will drive digital transformation in 10 Nigerian universities, including the University of Calabar; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Ibadan; Federal University of Technology, Minna; and University of Maiduguri,” Alausa noted.
“It is designed to strengthen institutional ICT infrastructure, enable hybrid and cross-border learning, improve education data systems for evidence-based policymaking, promote technical and vocational education through digital tools, and expand digital education in underserved communities,” he said.
On tertiary institutions, he disclosed new capital investments supported by TETFund.
“We are committing N70 billion to upgrade 18 medical schools and another N40 billion to build six state-of-the-art simulation laboratories for medical training institutions,” the minister announced.
He also revealed details of the government’s new AI capacity-building programme for teachers.
“Another major reform is the federal government’s artificial intelligence training programme aimed at equipping 6,000 senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This effort is backed by the creation of an AI in Education Task Force, responsible for embedding AI into teaching and ensuring schools adapt to the technological future,” Alausa explained.
On education data reforms, he disclosed that a new consolidated system would soon be rolled out.
“The ministry is preparing to launch the Nigeria Education Data Initiative (NEDI/NERDI)—a consolidated platform that will integrate million-scale datasets from JAMB, WAEC, UBEC, NECO, and NYSC. By mid-2025, the system will include a live education dashboard to provide real-time tracking of student progress, empowering evidence-based policymaking and accountability,” he stated.
Comparing the vision to existing successes in the health sector, Alausa added:
“Nigeria’s health sector has produced world-class nurses, and the education sector can replicate such achievements if we embrace technology and strengthen teacher capacity.”
On broader challenges in the sector, he made clear that curriculum overload and malpractice cannot continue.
“Nigeria must streamline its overloaded curriculum currently with 76 WAEC subjects and 80 JAMB subjects into a sharper, more relevant framework,” he said.
“We must also enforce the Exam Malpractice Act strictly. Both students and lecturers who compromise standards must face sanctions,” the minister warned.
On funding and access, he assured students that the government would not allow finances to block access to higher education.
“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) will cover all fees charged by higher institutions, ensuring no student is denied education because of financial hardship. Universities will soon operate under a unified and transparent fee structure to eliminate arbitrary charges,” he declared.
He described the government’s direction as one unified reform.
“Digital education, standardised fees, transparent governance, and curriculum reform are all part of one bold agenda. Since assuming office, our focus has been on building a system that is modern, accountable, and sustainable,” Alausa said.
Calling on the media to play its part, the minister urged:
“Journalists must play their watchdog role in holding institutions and state governments accountable for policies that affect the federal education system.”
He also applauded partners supporting the reforms.
“I want to commend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its continued support in funding transformative projects,” he noted.
Concluding, the minister tied the reforms directly to Nigeria’s future saying ,“The future of Nigeria lies in how well we educate our children today. By making this big leap into digital education, we are laying the foundation for a society that is innovative, productive, and competitive on the world stage,” he emphasised.
Emmanuel Addeh
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