The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have officially concluded a $10 million Smart Education Project, impacting more than 8,000 learners across 21 States in Nigeria.
The project, formally entitled, “The Implementation of Multimedia Learning Environment and Teaching Capacity Building for Nigeria Public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools,” was launched in 2021 following a record of discussion signed between UBEC and KOICA on October 26 of that year.
Its objective was to establish model smart schools, boost teachers’ digital competencies, and expand access to quality ICT-based learning in Nigeria’s basic education system.
Aisha Garba, Executive Secretary of UBEC, Speaking at the closing ceremony held on Monday at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre, Abuja, described the initiative as a transformational journey that had redefined the landscape of basic education through technology, innovative teaching, and inclusive learning.
According to her, key achievements of the initiative include the development of Nigeria’s first Smart Education Master Plan, training of over 300 teachers and school leaders, establishment of six world-class content development studios, and creation of nearly 4,000 digital learning contents in Mathematics and Science.
“We were confronted with sobering realities: over 10.1 million school-age children were out of school, 70% of those enrolled lacked foundational learning skills, and more than 60% of public primary school teachers did not possess basic digital literacy.
“Yet, within these daunting statistics, we saw not just problems but possibilities. Possibilities to reimagine learning, to bridge the digital divide, and to empower our schools and teachers to become catalysts for lasting transformation,” Garba stated
While KOICA’s direct intervention covered six smart schools, UBEC has replicated the model across 21 operational schools, with plans to scale up to 37 nationwide, one in each State and the Federal Capital Territory.
The project has also delivered 740 interactive smart boards, 250 desktop computers for girls’ alternative high schools, and 140 talking computers for learners with special needs.
Garba added that the capacity-building component had produced 70 “guiding teachers” trained to integrate technology into teaching and create digital content based on the NERDC-approved curriculum. She noted also that 30 trained school leaders were equipped to oversee curriculum operations and manage the smart school facilities.
Garba noted that beyond technology deployment, the project had contributed to reforms enabling states to access matching grants more efficiently, boosting fund utilisation to over 60% and providing over 420,000 library materials, including 158,000 Nigerian History books.
“By reforming the system, we have removed long-standing bottlenecks and opened the door for states to access the resources they need, efficiently and transparently.
“The impact is already visible: About 3 million children impacted, Fund utilisation has exceeded 60%, About 420,009 library materials distributed, 158,000+ Nigerian History books delivered, 740 interactive smart boards, 250 desktop computers for girls’ alternative high schools and 140 talking computers for learners with special needs”, Garba said.
She lauded KOICA and the Government of the Republic of Korea for their support, adding that UBEC remains committed to ensuring no child is left behind in the country’s march towards a smart, inclusive, and globally competitive basic education system.