FG plans nationwide internet access for schools to boost digital learning

Nigeria’s federal government says it plans to connect schools across the country to reliable internet services as part of efforts to strengthen digital learning and expand access to modern education tools.

The plan was disclosed in a statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, director of press and public relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to the ministry, the initiative was discussed during a meeting between the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

Government pushes digital infrastructure in education

Alausa said the project aligns with a directive from Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expand digital infrastructure across key sectors, including education.

He explained that the programme aims to develop a coordinated framework that will ensure internet connectivity across all levels of education, from foundational and secondary schools to universities and colleges.

The minister noted that the plan will also support the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance teaching and learning across the country.

The initiative builds on earlier work by the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), which previously provided broadband connectivity to universities through a World Bank-funded programme.

While the earlier effort improved connectivity in some institutions, progress slowed after the programme’s funding ended.

Fibre expansion and telecom towers planned

Under the new strategy, the federal government plans to deploy about 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic broadband infrastructure and install roughly 3,700 telecommunications towers.

The infrastructure rollout will focus particularly on rural and underserved communities to ensure schools in those areas gain reliable internet access.

Officials said the connectivity plan will not rely solely on fibre networks but will also include telecommunications towers, satellite systems, and other digital infrastructure required to deliver stable internet services nationwide.

Technical teams to drive implementation

Two technical working groups have been established to oversee implementation across tertiary institutions as well as foundational and secondary schools.

In addition, the NgREN governing council will be expanded to include representatives from different education levels to strengthen coordination.

Alausa expressed optimism that the first phase of the project could begin delivering visible results within three months.

He said improved connectivity would enable students and teachers to access digital platforms, global knowledge resources, and emerging technologies.

The infrastructure will also support examination reforms, including a gradual transition toward computer-based testing for national examinations.

Tijani noted that although Nigeria has multiple international subsea internet cables, the major challenge remains distributing that capacity inland through fibre networks.

According to him, most internet capacity enters the country through submarine cables that land in Lagos, but without adequate inland fibre infrastructure, the connectivity cannot effectively reach schools and communities across the country.

Also read: Adamu Garba Amplifies Pro-Iran Content Amid U.S.-Israel Conflict