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FG directs expansion of internet connectivity to schools across Nigeria.
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Maruf Alausa, Bosun Tijani coordinate nationwide digital learning and broadband rollout.
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Programme targets improved education through AI tools, online learning and computer-based examinations.
The Federal Government (FG) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at connecting schools across Nigeria to reliable internet services in order to strengthen digital learning.
The programme followed a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate the expansion of national digital infrastructure and ensure that the education sector benefits from broadband investments.
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To implement the plan, the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, held a strategic meeting with stakeholders in Abuja to coordinate the nationwide school connectivity programme.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the education ministry, Folashade Boriowo, the initiative is designed to provide internet access to institutions across all levels of the education system, including primary and secondary schools, universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
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Alausa explained that the programme builds on earlier broadband connectivity efforts carried out through the Nigerian Research and Education Network under a project funded by the World Bank.
He noted that although the earlier project made progress in linking tertiary institutions to broadband services, its momentum slowed after the initial funding cycle ended, making it necessary to revive and expand the initiative.
The minister disclosed that the government is implementing large-scale digital infrastructure projects, including the deployment of about 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic broadband cables and the installation of roughly 3,700 telecommunications towers, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He added that the expansion of satellite capacity is also being pursued to improve internet coverage across the country.
According to him, the government is ensuring that schools are integrated into the national digital network as fibre cables are laid and telecom towers installed nationwide.
As part of the implementation strategy, the governing council of the Nigerian Research and Education Network will be expanded to include representatives from the foundational and secondary education sectors.
The government also announced the creation of two technical working groups—one to focus on connectivity for tertiary institutions and another to address internet access for primary and secondary schools.
Alausa expressed optimism that the first phase of the programme would begin to deliver measurable improvements within the next three months.
He said improved connectivity would allow teachers and students to access global academic resources, digital learning platforms and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The minister also noted that improved digital infrastructure would support ongoing reforms to strengthen the integrity of national examinations through a gradual transition to computer-based testing.
He added that major examinations conducted by West African Examinations Council and National Examinations Council are expected to move fully to computer-based testing within the next two to three years, similar to the system already used by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Speaking further, Tijani explained that technology-driven education requires strong internet connectivity.
He noted that although Nigeria has about eight international subsea internet cables, most of the capacity currently lands in Lagos, making inland distribution a major challenge.
According to him, the ongoing national fibre expansion project aims to extend broadband connectivity to every local government area across the country, while the planned deployment of rural telecom towers will improve internet access in underserved communities.
Both ministers reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaboration between the education and communications sectors to ensure that investments in digital infrastructure translate into improved learning outcomes nationwide.