The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a new initiative aimed at connecting schools across the country to reliable internet services as part of a broader push to modernise the education sector and expand digital learning opportunities.

The programme follows a directive from Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate the expansion of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and ensure key sectors such as education benefit from national broadband investments.

To move the plan forward, the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, held a strategic meeting in Abuja with stakeholders to coordinate efforts on a nationwide school connectivity programme.

According to officials, the initiative is designed to deliver internet access to institutions at all levels of the education system — from primary and secondary schools to universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Expanding Digital Infrastructure for Schools

Alausa explained that the programme builds on earlier work carried out through the Nigerian Research and Education Network, which previously supported broadband connectivity in tertiary institutions through a World Bank-funded project.

While that project helped connect several universities and higher institutions, the minister noted that progress slowed after the funding cycle ended. The new plan therefore aims to revive and expand the initiative to cover schools across the entire education system.

He explained that improving connectivity goes beyond laying broadband fibre cables. It also includes telecommunications towers, satellite infrastructure and other technologies needed to ensure stable internet access nationwide.

As part of the government’s digital infrastructure expansion, Nigeria is currently implementing large-scale projects including:

Deployment of about 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic broadband infrastructure
Installation of approximately 3,700 telecommunications towers, particularly in rural communities
Expansion of satellite connectivity to strengthen national coverage

The minister said the government is ensuring schools are deliberately integrated into the expanding broadband network as new digital infrastructure is deployed across the country.

Technical Teams to Drive Implementation

To strengthen coordination, the government plans to expand the governing council of the Nigerian Research and Education Network to include representatives responsible for basic and secondary education.

Two technical working groups have also been established to accelerate implementation. One team will focus on improving connectivity in tertiary institutions, while the second will address internet access for primary and secondary schools.

According to the Ministry, improved internet connectivity will allow teachers and students to access digital learning platforms, international academic resources and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Supporting the Shift to Computer-Based Examinations

Alausa noted that expanded digital infrastructure will also support ongoing reforms aimed at improving the credibility and efficiency of national examinations.

He revealed that major examinations such as those conducted by the West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council are expected to gradually transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) within the next two to three years, following a model already adopted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

Bridging Nigeria’s Internet Distribution Gap

Speaking during the discussions, Tijani said technology-driven education cannot succeed without strong internet infrastructure.

He noted that although Nigeria currently has about eight international subsea internet cables — the highest number in Africa — the real challenge lies in distributing that capacity beyond coastal cities to schools and communities across the country.

The government’s ongoing 90,000-kilometre national fibre network expansion project is expected to extend broadband connectivity to every local government area, while the planned deployment of rural telecom towers will help bring reliable internet closer to schools in underserved communities.

Both ministers emphasised that stronger collaboration between the education and communications sectors will ensure digital infrastructure investments translate into meaningful improvements in teaching and learning.

Officials say the initiative is expected to equip students with critical digital skills while improving access to global knowledge resources and strengthening Nigeria’s ability to compete in a technology-driven global economy.