The Federal Government launches a nationwide initiative to connect Nigerian schools to reliable internet, enhancing digital learning and AI integration

The Federal Government has launched a new programme to provide reliable internet access to schools across Nigeria, aiming to expand digital learning and integrate modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, into the country’s education system.

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The initiative follows a directive by President Bola Tinubu to accelerate national digital infrastructure expansion and ensure key sectors, especially education, benefit from broadband and telecommunications investments.

The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, met in Abuja with key stakeholders to coordinate the nationwide school connectivity programme.

The plan covers all levels of education, from primary and secondary schools to universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Alausa noted that the initiative builds on prior efforts through the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), which supported broadband for tertiary institutions under a World Bank-funded project.

He explained that the programme slowed after initial funding ended, making revival and expansion necessary.

“Connectivity is not limited to broadband fibre alone. It also involves telecommunications towers, satellite systems, and other infrastructure required to provide reliable internet access across the country,” Alausa said.

Currently, the government is deploying around 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic broadband, installing about 3,700 telecommunications towers, and expanding satellite capacity, with schools strategically included in the network.

Two technical working groups have been created: one to improve connectivity for tertiary institutions and another to focus on foundational and secondary schools.

The NgREN governing council will also include representatives for all levels of education to strengthen coordination.

Improved internet access will allow teachers and students to use digital learning platforms, global academic resources, and emerging technologies.

Alausa said the programme will support reforms such as transitioning major national exams, including WAEC and NECO, to Computer-Based Testing.

Tijani highlighted that although Nigeria has eight international subsea internet cables—the highest in Africa—the challenge is distributing capacity inland.

The fibre expansion and rural telecom towers are designed to ensure schools benefit directly.

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Both ministers reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaboration between education and communications sectors, aiming to equip students with digital skills and improve access to quality education nationwide.