The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing more smart schools across Nigeria. This partnership seeks to enhance access to quality education and provide students with modern learning environments equipped with advanced technologies.
The MoU was signed by UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, and NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe, during an event held in Abuja. This initiative, known as the NCDMB-UBEC Smart Schools Development Initiative (NUSSDI), is designed to integrate the latest technological advancements into basic educational institutions, allowing for a more organized and effective learning process for pupils.
Dr. Bobboyi expressed his optimism about the collaboration, stating that it would lead to significant improvements in the basic education sector. He highlighted that UBEC has already established around 37 smart schools, with one in every state of the federation. Some of these schools are already operational, while others are in the advanced stages of development. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond traditional schools, which rely on chalkboards, to smart schools equipped with cutting-edge technology.
One of the key responsibilities of UBEC in this partnership is to ensure that teachers are trained to utilize the Digital Resource Centre effectively. This training will enable educators to integrate technology into their teaching methods, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of education in the country.
Felix Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, praised UBEC for its commitment to improving basic education. He noted that the MoU outlines their joint obligations to establish smart schools in regions with high rates of out-of-school children, particularly in underserved rural areas. Ogbe mentioned that the initiative aims to leverage both organizations’ expertise and resources to equip these smart schools with modern technologies and innovative teaching methods.
The collaboration between UBEC and NCDMB marks a significant step toward improving the quality of education in Nigeria, especially in areas where access to educational resources is limited. By focusing on the establishment of smart schools, this initiative has the potential to transform the learning experience for countless students across the nation.
