Nigeria is planning a nationwide effort to connect schools to reliable internet services to support digital learning and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies in classrooms.
The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Education, follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu to expand digital infrastructure and ensure education benefits from broadband and telecommunications investments.
Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, said the plan builds on previous efforts under the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) and aims to extend connectivity to all levels of schools. The government is deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic broadband, installing 3,700 telecommunications towers, and expanding satellite coverage to reach underserved communities.
“Connectivity is not limited to broadband fibre alone. Schools from primary to tertiary levels will be strategically connected as infrastructure is deployed”, he said.
Two technical working groups have been set up to coordinate implementation across foundational, secondary, and tertiary institutions.
Alausa added that the initiative will support access to digital learning platforms, AI tools, and the transition of major exams like WAEC and NECO to Computer-Based Testing within the next two to three years.
Speaking further, Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, noted that while Nigeria hosts eight international subsea internet cables, the highest in Africa, the challenge is distributing capacity inland. The fibre expansion and rural tower deployment aim to extend connectivity to all local government areas, especially schools.
The government says the programme will equip students with digital skills for a technology-driven economy, while renewed collaboration between ministries seeks to ensure broadband investments translate into improved learning outcomes nationwide.
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