UBEC partners to provide 47m students with laptops, digital devices

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has unveiled a pioneering digital learning programme that will provide laptops and other devices to around 47 million students in pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary schools across Nigeria.

The initiative, announced on Monday in Abuja, is a Public-Private Partnership involving UBEC, the Digital Learning Network (DLN), and major technology and finance partners including Samsung, Huawei, and Zenith Bank.

“By leveraging the DLN’s technology and financing model, we can bridge the digital divide and ensure every Nigerian child has access to quality education,” UBEC Executive Secretary, Mrs Aisha Garba, said during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

Aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the programme aims to equip both students and teachers with digital tools to enhance classroom learning. The project will focus on remote and underserved communities, guaranteeing inclusivity and nationwide coverage.

Mrs Garba explained that regional hubs would be established across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to facilitate device assembly and distribution. She added that the hubs would create jobs, strengthen local expertise, and boost economic activity.

“In addition to providing 47 million devices, internet connectivity will also be delivered. We are collaborating with partners to ensure infrastructure and minimum standards in all beneficiary schools,” she said.

The National Teachers Institute (NTI) will work alongside UBEC to train educators in integrating technology into classroom instruction, ensuring teachers can maximise the use of the new digital tools.

Citing Lagos State’s success with similar PPP models, Mrs Garba expressed confidence that the project could replicate high enrolment rates and improved educational outcomes nationwide.

DLN CEO, Thomas Larmena, described the programme as the largest digital transformation in education across Africa. He said it would upgrade the education system at minimal cost to government while reducing expenses for parents and students.

“We have the partners and capital to develop, customise, and roll out this project nationwide in collaboration with UBEC,” Larmena said.

The initiative has already begun in Akwa Ibom State, with discussions ongoing to ensure a nationwide rollout in partnership with the Nigerian Governors Forum and other stakeholders.