FG sets up committee to revitalize smart, alternative schools

By Ismail Azeez

The Federal Government has inaugurated an implementation and monitoring committee to oversee the effective take-off and sustainability of Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools, and Alternative Schools under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

The committee, inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, in Abuja, is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that government investments in basic education translate into functional schools that provide quality learning opportunities for Nigerian children.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, which reaffirmed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, education remains a strategic national priority.

The Minister explained that the Smart Schools initiative is designed to equip learners with digital skills for the modern economy, while the Bilingual Schools programme promotes linguistic inclusion and national integration.

He added that the Alternative Schools initiative expands access to quality education for vulnerable and underserved groups, particularly girls and out-of-school children.

Expressing concern that many UBEC-funded projects remain incomplete or are yet to commence academic activities, Dr. Alausa directed the committee to work closely with UBEC, state governments, and State Universal Basic Education Boards to ensure the timely completion of projects.

The Minister also announced that the Federal Government will phase out the disarticulation policy separating Junior Secondary Schools from Senior Secondary Schools, an arrangement that has contributed to overcrowded junior secondary schools, underutilized senior secondary facilities, and increased school dropouts.

He disclosed the intention to present the move at the next National Council on Education as part of broader reforms to expand access nationwide.

In her welcome address, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, described the committee as a strategic mechanism for strengthening implementation and accountability.

She disclosed that 37 Smart Schools have been established nationwide, with 24 already operational, while 30 Bilingual Schools are being implemented across nine participating states under the UBEC-Islamic Development Bank partnership.

Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Professor Rashid Adewumi Aderinoye, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the members and pledged to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and transparency.