The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a United States (U.S.) corporation, Digital Learning Network (DLN), to implement a comprehensive National Digital Education Transformation Project to increase access and improve the quality of education.
The MoU, which was signed at UBEC headquarters yesterday in Abuja, is meant to ensure distribution of 47 million laptops and tablets to students and teachers in the basic education sector – pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary schools.
It is also meant to ensure equitable access to world-class digital learning tools, infrastructure, and training.
DLN, working with Deloitte Financial Advisory, United Bank of Africa (UBA) Plc., Zenith Bank Plc, and the National Credit Guarantee Company, will fully fund the project through private investments from development finance institutions that support its global technology partners and institutional investors.
The UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, noted that the initiative would transform learning in pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary schools, especially in remote and underserved communities.
The core components, as contained in the MoU, include device deployment involving the distribution of 47 million DLN-branded laptops and tablets that are pre-loaded with digital textbooks and interactive learning materials and are fully aligned with the Nigerian curriculum set by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
There would also be the deployment of a robust hybrid internet infrastructure combining 5G, local telecom partnerships, and SpaceX’s Starlink satellite technology to guarantee minimum broadband speeds of 50 Mbps for schools, even in the most remote and rural communities.
The UBEC executive secretary said there would also be a nationwide digital pedagogy programme for educators, administrators, and support staff in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute to ensure alignment with national standards.
By Frank Ikpefan @TheNation
