By Our Correspondent
National News – The Federal Government has unveiled a nationwide plan to provide reliable internet connectivity to schools across Nigeria, a move aimed at strengthening digital learning, expanding access to online educational resources, and integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into the country’s education system.
The initiative follows a directive from Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate the expansion of national digital infrastructure and ensure that the education sector benefits from ongoing broadband investments.
As part of the effort, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, met with the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, alongside key stakeholders in Abuja to coordinate the rollout of the nationwide school connectivity programme.
According to officials, the plan will extend internet access to institutions at all levels of the education system, including primary schools, secondary schools, universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The programme is also expected to revive and expand earlier broadband connectivity efforts carried out through the Nigerian Research and Education Network, which previously supported tertiary institutions through a World Bank-funded initiative.
The government disclosed that the project will leverage several ongoing digital infrastructure developments across Nigeria.
These include the deployment of approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic broadband cables, the installation of about 3,700 telecommunications towers in rural and underserved communities, and the expansion of satellite connectivity to improve nationwide coverage.
Officials noted that schools will be strategically connected as broadband infrastructure expands across the country.
The plan is designed to ensure that internet access reaches classrooms and learning centres, particularly in communities where digital resources remain limited.
Improved connectivity is expected to enable teachers and students to access global educational platforms, digital research materials, and modern learning tools.
The government also revealed that enhanced digital infrastructure will support reforms aimed at improving the integrity of national examinations through the gradual transition to computer-based testing.
Authorities said that within the next two to three years, major examinations such as those conducted by West African Examinations Council and National Examinations Council are expected to fully transition to computer-based formats, similar to the system already adopted by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Experts believe the nationwide school connectivity programme could play a crucial role in equipping Nigerian students with essential digital skills needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
