The Federal Government has strengthened efforts to improve teacher education and digital learning with the distribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment and instructional materials to 15 Colleges of Education across Nigeria.
The intervention, implemented in partnership with the Government of Japan, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO-IICBA), and the African Union, is part of a regional initiative spanning six African countries aimed at promoting continuous, safe, inclusive and quality education for girls.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and supports national priorities in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), digital transformation, and efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
“Teachers remain at the heart of our education system and are critical to achieving meaningful and sustainable reforms. By investing in their training and equipping our Colleges of Education with modern technology, we are laying the foundation for improved learning outcomes and national development,” she said.
Ahmad noted that the equipment provided includes laptops, tablets, desktop computers, smart boards, projectors, printers and storage systems designed to strengthen digital teaching and learning in the beneficiary institutions.
“The provision of these ICT facilities will enhance teaching and learning, strengthen digital literacy and ensure that future teachers are adequately prepared for the demands of a technology-driven world,” she added.
The minister explained that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure provision, incorporating capacity-building programmes focused on ICT integration, inclusive pedagogy and school safety.
“We are not only providing equipment; we are also investing in the skills and competencies of educators to effectively utilise these tools, promote inclusive education and create safe learning environments for all learners, especially girls,” she said.
Officials of UNESCO-IICBA, the National Commission for Colleges of Education, and the Embassy of Japan commended Nigeria’s commitment to educational development and pledged continued support for teacher professional development and girls’ education.
A representative of UNESCO-IICBA said the organisation remained committed to supporting African countries in strengthening teacher education and expanding access to quality learning opportunities.
“This partnership demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring that every child, particularly girls, has access to safe, inclusive and quality education through well-trained and empowered teachers,” the official said.
The Federal Ministry of Education urged the beneficiary Colleges of Education to make effective use of the facilities to improve teacher training and learning outcomes across the country.
“We expect these resources to be properly utilised and maintained so that they can make a lasting impact on teacher preparation and the quality of education delivered in our schools,” the ministry stated.