Initiative Launched by FG to Connect Schools Nationwide to Internet

Date: March 11, 2026
President: Bola Tinubu

The Federal Government has launched a nationwide program to provide reliable internet to schools, aiming to expand digital learning and integrate modern technologies, including AI, into Nigeria’s education system.

Key Details:

• Directives: President Bola Tinubu instructed faster national digital infrastructure expansion, focusing on education.
• Coordination: Ministers Maruf Alausa (Education) and Bosun Tijani (Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy) met with stakeholders in Abuja to plan the program.
• Coverage: The initiative targets all education levels — primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.

Background:

• Builds on previous efforts by the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) supported by World Bank funding for tertiary institutions.
• Earlier progress slowed after initial funding ended; the new initiative aims to expand coverage nationwide.

Infrastructure Plans:

• Deploy ~90,000 km of fibre optic broadband.
• Install ~3,700 telecommunications towers, especially in rural/underserved areas.
• Expand satellite capacity for nationwide coverage.

Implementation:

• Schools will be strategically connected as new broadband and towers are deployed.
• NgREN council will expand to include representatives for foundational and secondary education.
• Two technical working groups created:
  1. Connectivity for tertiary institutions
  2. Connectivity for foundational and secondary schools

Expected Benefits:

• Improved access to digital learning platforms and global academic resources.
• Support for technology-driven education reforms and Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB in 2–3 years.
• Development of digital skills to compete in a technology-driven global economy.

Challenges Addressed:

• Nigeria has 8 subsea internet cables (highest in Africa), but inland fibre distribution is limited.
• The 90,000 km fibre expansion and 3,700 rural towers will extend capacity to schools and communities effectively.

Government Commitment:

• Strong collaboration between Education and Communications ministries.
• Focused on translating digital infrastructure investments into improved learning outcomes nationwide.

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