Leveraging Digital Technology to Transform Basic Education in Nigeria

Strategic Insights -

As the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, emphasized, the commission is utilizing digital technology to transform basic education in Nigeria, enabling public schools to compete globally. Through the $10 million KOICA-Nigeria Smart Education Project, UBEC has established 37 smart schools across the country, with 21 already operational. The project has positively impacted over 8,000 learners in 21 states, providing a significant improvement in learning outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UBEC-KOICA smart education project aims to revolutionize education by incorporating technology into learning environments, increasing the capacity of teachers in the use and development of ICT content, and improving access to quality information and communication technology teaching content in the classroom.
  • The project has achieved significant milestones, including developing Nigeria's first Smart Education Master Plan, training over 300 teachers and school leaders, establishing six world-class Content Development Studios, and creating nearly 4,000 digital learning contents in Mathematics and Science.
  • The project has seen massive investment in infrastructure in the six pilot schools, with each school equipped with state-of-the-art Content Development Studios to enable teachers develop real-world applicable digital content for their learners.
  • Through strategic reforms, the commission has removed long-standing bottlenecks, allowing states to access resources efficiently and transparently, impacting about 3 million children, with fund utilization exceeding 60% and the distribution of over 420,009 library materials.
  • The project has also improved learning outcomes, with students from smart schools performing better in Mathematics and Science subjects than their peers from other schools.

Statistics:

  • 37 smart schools have been established across the country, with 21 already operational.
  • Over 8,000 learners have benefited from the project in 21 states where the smart schools are fully operational.
  • The project has distributed over 420,009 library materials and delivered more than 158,000 Nigerian History books.
  • The commission has removed long-standing bottlenecks, allowing states to access resources efficiently and transparently, impacting about 3 million children.
  • Fund utilization has exceeded 60%.
  • Over 4,000 digital learning contents have been created in Mathematics and Science.

Sources:

  • Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) press release regarding the KOICA-Nigeria Smart Education Project.
  • Aisha Garba, Executive Secretary of UBEC.
  • Razaq Akinyemi Olajuwon, Deputy Executive Secretary of UBEC (Technical).
  • Eunsub Kim, Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
  • David Nkwa, representative of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
  • Professor Dae Joon Hwang, Project Manager of the UBION Consortium.