Tag: Public Schools

Teachers and pupils a few days ago showed that the Federal Government’s digitalisation initiatives in public schools was not a fluke at the flag-off of distribution of over 1,000 Interactive Smart Boards nationwide, 140 talking computers for learners with visual impairments; supply of 250 desktop computers for Second-Chance Schools to support ICT-enabled learning for out-of-school youths in public schools across the country. Stakeholders at the event, which took place in Lagos, asserted that the billions of naira spent on the initiatives were well-spent with the mastery displayed by the teachers and the pupils, Assistant Editor Bola Olajuwon reports

THE Federal Government’s initiatives to digitalise public schools is taking shape if one considers the skills displayed a few days ago by teachers and pupils of Queen’s College, Lagos, at the landmark launch of the digitalisation of public schools organised by the Federal Ministry of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB).

The event also witnessed the flag-off of distribution of over 1,000 Interactive Smart Boards nationwide, accompanying teacher training; provision of 140 talking computers for learners with visual impairments; supply of 250 desktop computers for Second-Chance Schools to support ICT-enabled learning for out-of-school youths in public schools across the country.

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa at various presentations of digital initiatives under the ministry asserted that the digitalisation initiatives of the ministry were vital for national growth because it would empower learners and educators with access to information and e-services, promote inclusion by reducing the digital divide, enhance and foster more informed, engaged citizens capable of participating in the digital society, skills and economy.

Therefore, after watching the dexterity in handling the Interactive Smart Boards by the teachers and pupils, the minister asserted that the digitalisation of public schools was a bold declaration that Nigeria was ready to embrace the future of learning. The stakeholders and dignitaries at the event also agreed with his assertion.

According to Alausa, the programme is aimed at ensuring that every child, regardless of background or location, has access to quality, modern and technology-enabled education.

The digitalisation initiatives, Alausa said, reflect the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “whose visionary leadership places education at the heart of national transformation”.

At the event attended by leaders of State Universal Basic Education Boards, pupils and other stakeholders, the minister also announced the distribution of over 4 million core textbooks and 419,000 library resource materials to boost early-grade literacy and numeracy as well as upgrade of the Digital Resource Centre in Abuja as a national hub for teachers training, content development and data management.

Before the event proper, the UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, and her management team, including Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi, and Deputy Executive Secretary (Services) Tunde Segun Ajibulu and Lagos State SUBEB Chairman Dr. Hakeem Shittu, as well as his board members, watched as some teachers operated the digital equipment.

How the govt is digitally transforming education system

The minister said through initiatives such as NEDI (Nigeria Education Data Initiative) for evidence-based planning, the National EdTech Strategy to promote digital learning; renewed focus on STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) and Technical Education; and expanded teacher and learner digital literacy training, the Federal Government was transforming Nigeria’s education system to meet the demands of the digital economy and build a globally-competitive and knowledge-based society.

He argued that education should evolve with the world of work, innovation, and national competitiveness. “That is why we are embedding Al, EdTech, and digital literacy across curricula — ensuring our youths are equipped with STEMM, data and coding skills for the future.

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“The shift from chalkboards to smart boards marks a transformation from traditional, one-directional learning by repetition teaching methods to dynamic, interactive, and technology-enabled active learning, enabling interactive classrooms, where students learn by engaging, exploring and creating. “These smart boards will allow teachers to integrate multimedia, digital textbooks, and real-time interaction into their lessons. Leaners will learn by touching, exploring, and engaging and not just listening,” the minister explained.

Alausa noted that key reforms in education were anchored on data and integrity with NEDI harmonising national education data to improve resource allocation and accountability, NERD (Nigeria Education Repository and Databank) ensuring certificates carry a National Credential Number and QR Code for authenticity.

These systems, he said, put Nigeria firmly on the path to data-driven education governance.

To foster innovation, Alausa said the government was establishing STEMM and TVET centres nationwide in partnership with states and development partners; supporting the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) to build capacity for STEMM educators to promote inquiry-based learning, embedding AI, robotics, and coding in curricula; and expanding teachers digital literacy and EdTech training to make classrooms smarter and teachers more effective, ensuring that the teachers are equipped to guide the learners of tomorrow.

He added that with the Agence Francaise de Développement (AFD), the government launched the $40 million Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project to improve ICT infrastructure in 10 universities — supporting hybrid learning, data modernisation, and digital access for underserved communities.

“Through UBEC, NITDA, and other agencies, we are extending these efforts to basic and secondary schools with broadband connectivity, tablets, and teacher training nationwide,” Alausa said.

He lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, UBEC and SUBEBs for their exemplary leadership and strong partnership in driving the ambitious digital transformation agenda in basic education with purposeful implementation and measurable impact.

The digitalisation of education, he noted, is a continuous journey.

At the event, benefiting  schools in Lagos included St Joseph Primary School, Ibowon, Epe; Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos; Adeniyi Jones Primary school, Ikeja; Victoria Island Primary School, Eti Osa; Anglican Primary School, Ishawo, Ikorodu; and All Saints Anglican Primary School, Yaba.

It’s a major milestone, says Garba

The UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, said the event marked a major milestone in the government’s collective journey toward transforming Nigeria’s basic education system through digital innovation. Garba added that it demonstrated the ministry’s and UBEC’s commitment to ensuring that no child, teacher or school is left behind in the ongoing global digital revolution.

According to her, digital transformation has become the bedrock of progress across every sector — and education must not be left behind.

“The world today is driven by knowledge and powered by technology. Digital transformation has become the bedrock of progress across every sector — and education must not be left behind.

“ln this age, classrooms are no longer confined to four walls. Learning now happens through digital content, interactive simulations, and online collaboration. For our nation to remain competitive and to prepare our children for the realities of the 21st century, we must embrace technology-enabled education as a central pillar of our development strategy

“Digital transformation in education is not merely about providing devices or connectivity and about rethinking teaching and learning — making it more engaging, inclusive, and effective. It allows teachers to personalise instruction, enhances students’ participation, and bridges the gap between rural and urban learning environments.

“The use of Interactive Smart Boards is a clear demonstration of our resolve to bring technology directly into the classroom. These boards will transform traditional chalk-and-talk lessons into dynamic, visual, and participatory learning experiences.

“Teachers will now be able to integrate multimedia content, simulations, and real-time feedback during lessons. Pupils can engage more actively — touching, responding, and participating in ways that make learning memorable. This is how education becomes not just a process of instruction but an experience of discovery.”

She lauded the President and the Minister of Education for providing visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning education in Nigeria.

Alli-Balogun: it shows govt’s commitment

 The Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, said the initiative was an attestation to the Federal Government’s commitment in harnessing the power of digital technology to enhance teaching and learning in our country.

Alli-Balogun said the Lagos State was prioritising building world-class educational infrastructure, as evidenced by construction and inauguration of ultra-modern classroom blocks, integrated vocational training, and digital literacy initiatives under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.

He described the move as a significant milestone in bridging the educational divide and ensuring equitable access to quality learning for all children.

“The introduction of interactive smart boards in our public schools will revolutionise the way teachers teach and students learn. It will make lessons more engaging, enhance collaboration, and improve overall learning outcomes.”

Alli-Balogun commended UBEC for its tireless efforts in promoting basic education and acknowledged the support of development partners, who contributed to the success of the project. He urged teachers, school administrators, and stakeholders to embrace the new technology and ensure its effective use in classrooms.

Initiative was a watershed moment, says Shittu

The Lagos State SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Hakeem Shittu, while welcoming the guests, said the event was not just another milestone; “it is a watershed moment, a vivid demonstration that the future we speak of is not distant, but a reality we collectively built.

“This comprehensive digital initiative is a core component of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope initiative in alignment with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s transformative THEMES Plus Agenda, specifically under the crucial pillar of Education and Technology. Our commitment is clear: we are not just embracing the digital age; we are defining it for every child in Lagos and the country in general,” he said.

​He said the project aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly under the Education and Technology pillar.

Dr. Shittu noted that the success of EKOEXCEL in the state had positioned Lagos as a national model for technology integration in education, adding that the new UBEC initiative would build on the existing digital infrastructure in the state.

He said the collaboration between UBEC and LASUBEB would expand opportunities for both teachers and pupils, bridge the digital divide, and make learning in Lagos public schools more interactive and effective.“

​The world has moved from chalkboards to smart boards, from textbooks to tablets. For Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, ensuring our pupils and students are globally competitive is not an option it is our absolute mandate. We recognise that the Universal Basic Education Commission’s mandate, which we proudly implement here in Lagos, requires us to constantly innovate.

“At LASUBEB, we have keyed fully into this transformative vision. Our flagship programme, EKOEXCEL (Excellence in Child Education and Learning), is a testament to the state government’s resolve to digitise classroom learning and empower teachers with technology for improved lesson delivery. “

Through EKOEXCEL, we have introduced smart teaching devices, automated lesson plans, and data-driven evaluation systems that have significantly raised the bar of public basic education in Lagos.

“The success of this initiative has positioned Lagos as a national reference point for technology integration in education and has created a solid foundation upon which today’s UBEC digitisation project can thrive:

He expressed optimism that the project would usher in a new era of digital transformation that would redefine the future of basic education in Nigeria. Principal of Queen’s College, Lagos, Dr. Oyindamola Adetutu Obabori and her pupils thanked the minister and UBEC for including the school in the distribution.

The cost of schooling in some private schools in the country is becoming exorbitant. Hence, parents are removing pupils from private schools to public institutions. However, school owners on the other hand are beginning to question the possibility of their schools’ continuity, considering the fact that inflation is not balancing income, expenses and profit. In Lagos State alone, some schools have closed down over withdrawal of pupils and inability to attract new ones. BOLA OLAJUWON, ASSISTANT EDITOR, VICTORIA AMADI and JOY ANYANWU report.

Though it is still two months to schools’ resumption, many parents are already embarking on belt-tightening moves over fees to pay for their returning children in private and public schools. It is also time to consider the fees to pay for children transiting from primary to secondary and the choice to make among many alternatives. The children are now at home consuming foods available amidst lean budget.

In Lagos, especially, parents spend varied sums to educate their children. A parent told The Nation that he spends N2. 4 million per year to educate his son in a private secondary school.

“I pay N800,000 each term on my son’s school fees. I pay N2. 4 million per year. In September, I don’t know what to expect,” the parent, who pleaded anonymity, said.

Some secondary schools, it was learnt, billed parents about N1 million or higher for each term aside the usual increment in feeding and other fees. They also resorted to hidden charges like science laboratory, computer and extra lessons fees.

Parents resort to public schools

Parents in Lagos State are removing their children from private schools to public schools owing to quality of teachers recruited and infrastructure being provided. Hundreds of teachers have been orientated and deployed by the Lagos Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM). New classes are being inaugurated and others are being renovated. Other states are not left out.

A parent, Mr. Sola Johnson, who has decided to move his children to public school, explained that his blood pressure rises when his children bring notices of any form from their schools.

“If it is not only notification of increase in school fees, it’s about bus fares or development levies.  We used to see private schools as an alternative to the overburdened public education system. But with the inflationary trends, I know the private school proprietors are not immune to the economic challenges facing the country and they are often left with no choice but to increase school fees and pass them to parents.

“While this may be a necessary measure to ensure high standards in the schools, it further worsens the financial burden on we parents,” Johnson said.

Another parent, Mrs. Chinasa John, explained: “I’m considering withdrawing my children from private secondary schools. I have nobody to look up to, except God. The steep increase in fees is becoming unbearable for me. I have other things to take care of and I cannot devote so much money on school fees alone.’’

Schools’ dilemma over fees increment and operational charges

Private schools’ proprietors are now worried over vacant classes with many teachers to pay. In Lagos alone, a few private schools have closed down over inability to spread their expenses on available pupils. Few weeks after vacation, schools with basic and secondary school sections are directing their teachers and workers to visit parents at their residences to personally distribute admission letters to their children. They want to retain the pupils by all means. To increase fees in schools currently is a difficult decision to take for many proprietors after watching many other schools closing down.

A proprietor, who craved anonymity, said about six schools in Agidingbi area of Ikeja have shut down over 26 charges levied on schools across Lagos and Ogun states, where they operated.

“Go to schools in Lagos, you will confirm that we pay about N500,000 to N1 million for school licence renewal annually. We pay for setback and parking spaces, environmental fees like vehicle baskets. We also pay for hackney permit, signage, radio and televisions fees. The charges are about 26 in all.

“When you have few pupils to spread the fees on, you close down in the face of high operational costs and salaries to pay,” the chairman of the group of schools said.

A proprietor and co-founder of a highbrow school in Lagos, at an event marking the school’s 10 years anniversary, spoke on how he is managing to make the school stay afloat owing to the respect he has for his late wife, who died about 10 years ago. She had pleaded with The husband on her hospital bed to convert a multi-storey residential building they owned to school to develop future leaders.

He asserted that he continued to spend money earned from his vast businesses to sustain the school. According to him, he must continue to sustain the memory of his late wife.

The National President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Nigeria, Chief Yomi Otubela, claimed the association does not have authority over fees’ regulation.

Also, the Director of Platform Schools, Dr. Adebola Obe, reiterated that the announcement of a school fee increase in Nigerian primary and secondary schools is a development that affects parents, students and educators alike. He noted that as schools strive to maintain quality education amidst rising operational costs, fee adjustments become a necessary consideration, impacting how families budget for education.

According to Obe, rising operational costs for schools include maintaining infrastructure, updating curricula to meet contemporary needs, and ensuring that teaching staff are equipped with the best resources to provide top-notch education. He also noted that economic realities such as inflation also plays a role in schools’ decisions to adjust fees.

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According to the proprietor of Genius Academy, Ikorodu, Mr. Desmond Aiyeleso, there is no intention to increase school fees at the moment. However, he pleaded with parents to understand the condition of the economy.

Pupils weigh in

A secondary school pupil, Miss Mary Alewu, said schools should channel funds on improving services rendered to pupil, provide adequate facilities that would provide standard education to the students and try and justify the increase of the school fees, rather than incessant tuition increment without anything to show for it.

Comparing 2023 and 2025 tuition fee, a pupil of Archdeacon Memorial Grammar School, Kenneth Daniel, said charges are becoming unbearable for parents to come up with. He blamed the government for the current inflation in the country, adding that children whose parents could not meet up, might end up not giving their children the standard of education they deserve.

Daniel also stated that some of these schools who charge exorbitantly, have nothing to show for it, but only channel it to unnecessary things that do not add up to the standard of education.

“Since 2025, the feeding in school and other expenses are calculated beyond the parents’ budget. Although this is affected by the inflation in the country, it is the fault of the government. This is telling on the children. It will make them not have the best of education due to the increase in school fees.

“Some schools misuse these fees. They channel it into unnecessary activities that will not add up to the standard of education.

“Parents are not finding it funny and are lamenting seriously. I would appeal to the government and schools to provide easy avenues to support parents in the areas of school fees and provide adequate value necessary for them, especially for orphans and those struggling to survive,” he said.

Lagos Education Ministry: we are living up to our mandate

The Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Kayode Sutton, said education is a social responsibility and the Lagos State Government is living up to that mandate.

In an interview with The Nation on why parents are moving their children to public schools, Sutton said: “We have a mandate that no child should be left behind, irrespective of their social background or culture or whatever. So, most of our public schools as we speak are conveniently being upgraded.

“We are building more schools. In the last few months, we have constructed about 17 more schools in Lagos in areas where they are mostly needed. And we have marked areas that need more schools.

 “And I can tell you for free that we are also recruiting qualified teachers. And the whole future is being looked into by the Lagos State Government. And of course, the teachers get promoted promptly too. And just recently we inducted 1,500 of them.

“And of course, there is still approval for replacement of those that are retiring. So, instead of returning their money back to the government, we employ more teachers. Now we have more qualified teachers in schools. If you are not a trained teacher in public secondary schools in Lagos State, you cannot be employed.

“The idea of employing just anybody is gone in Lagos State. If you are not a trained teacher, you cannot be a teacher in any of our public schools. Even in our primary schools, that’s just the way it is.

“When all of these things are put together, the newly established schools and the old ones that are being renovated, you see things evolving. You see classrooms that have been fitting. You see laboratories that are well-equipped. You see environments that are conducive for learning. “

On payment of fees in Lagos State public schools, he said: “I can tell you for free that we don’t collect money. In Lagos State, parents are not expected to pay in any form.

“The government does not collect anything in any form from students in schools. If you have any cases of such, you may just bring it up and let us know where and which school and which person in particular has done that.”