Alausa unveils digital reforms to modernize education, professionalize teaching
By Obasola Olatunde
In a bold move to transform Nigeria’s education system, the Federal Government has launched sweeping reforms aimed at digitalizing education, professionalizing teaching, and promoting a data driven, technology enabled learning environment across the country.
Speaking at the 69th National Council on Education (NCE) in Akure, Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the reforms are part of a broader agenda to create a globally competitive education system that equips Nigerian students and teachers with the tools and skills needed for the 21st century.
Among the key initiatives announced is the National Education Repository and Databank (NERD), which will centralise and store educational data nationwide, enabling evidence based policy making and effective monitoring of school performance.
Complementing this is the Digital Nigerian Education Management Information System (DNEMIS), designed to enhance planning, reporting, and operational efficiency across all levels of education.
Dr. Alausa also highlighted that the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has been fully digitised, allowing for streamlined teacher registration, professional examinations, and licence renewals. To further strengthen professional development, over 60,000 digital tablets have been distributed to teachers nationwide, providing them with access to training resources, teaching tools, and online learning platforms.
In a bid to broaden access to teacher education and raise professional standards, the Ministry introduced the Dual Mandate Policy, which empowers Federal Colleges of Education to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree certificates. This move is expected to enhance the quality of teacher training, address shortages of qualified educators, and improve learning outcomes in Nigerian schools.
The Minister stressed that the reforms reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive, technology driven education that ensures every Nigerian child has access to quality learning opportunities. “Our goal is to create a system where education is data informed, technology enabled, and universally accessible,” Dr. Alausa said.
He further explained that these initiatives align with the Renewed Hope Agenda, a national blueprint aimed at revitalising key sectors of the economy and building a workforce equipped for the challenges of the modern era.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the reforms, noting that the integration of technology and data in education management could help address long standing challenges such as inadequate teacher training, poor infrastructure, and inefficient monitoring systems. Experts also believe the Dual Mandate Policy will provide a much needed boost to teacher education and professional standards nationwide.
The Federal Government says it will continue to monitor the implementation of these reforms closely, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that Nigeria’s education system meets global standards and produces graduates capable of competing in the international arena.