The Federal Government has unveiled plans to connect schools across Nigeria to internet services, in a move aimed at expanding digital learning, supporting artificial intelligence adoption, and preparing the education sector for computer-based examinations. The initiative follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu to expand digital infrastructure across critical sectors.
Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa disclosed the plan after a high-level meeting with Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani. Alausa said the programme will develop a coordinated framework to ensure connectivity across all levels of education, from foundational and secondary schools to universities and colleges.
“By connecting our schools, we are opening the door to digital learning, emerging technologies such as AI, and the gradual transition to Computer-Based Testing for national examinations, ensuring Nigerian students are equipped to thrive in a digital, knowledge-driven world,” Alausa stated.
The government plans to deploy approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic broadband infrastructure and install 3,700 telecommunications towers, particularly in rural and underserved communities, to deliberately connect schools nationwide. The connectivity drive will also involve satellite systems and other digital infrastructure to deliver reliable internet access.
To support implementation, two technical working groups have been established for tertiary institutions and for foundational and secondary schools. The governing council of the Nigerian Research and Education Network will be expanded to include representatives from all education levels.
Alausa said the first phase could begin yielding visible results within three months, with students and teachers gaining access to digital platforms, global knowledge resources, and emerging technologies. The initiative builds on earlier efforts by NgREN, which had provided broadband access to universities under a World Bank-backed initiative before progress slowed after funding ended.
Tijani noted that success would depend on improving inland distribution of internet capacity. “Most of the internet capacity enters Nigeria through submarine cables landing in Lagos, but without sufficient inland fibre infrastructure, that capacity cannot effectively reach schools and communities across the country,” he explained.
