Federal Government Set To Connect All Schools To Reliable Internet

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious plan to provide nationwide internet connectivity to all educational institutions, ranging from primary schools to universities.

This initiative, aimed at revolutionizing the country’s educational landscape, was highlighted during a high-level meeting between the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

According to Dr. Alausa, the project stems from a direct mandate by President Bola Tinubu to enhance digital infrastructure across critical sectors. The primary goal is to harness modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

By establishing a coordinated framework, the government aims to ensure that no level of education is left behind in the global digital shift.

READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Ministerial Nominee Taiwo Oyedele Gets Senate Nod

A major technical component of this plan involves the deployment of approximately 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic broadband infrastructure.

Additionally, the government intends to install 3,700 telecommunications towers, with a specific focus on reaching rural and underserved communities. Minister Bosun Tijani pointed out that while Nigeria has significant internet capacity through subsea cables in Lagos, the real challenge has been inland distribution. This new project seeks to bridge that gap, ensuring that high-speed data reaches the hinterlands.

The initiative also builds on the foundations of the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN). While NgREN previously provided broadband to universities through World Bank funding, the new strategy expands this scope significantly. To manage the rollout, two technical working groups have been formed to oversee implementation for tertiary and foundational schools, respectively.

Beyond classroom learning, the government expects the improved infrastructure to support major examination reforms. This includes a gradual transition toward Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for all national examinations, reducing administrative bottlenecks and improving integrity.

The Ministry expressed optimism that the first phase of the project will yield visible results within three months. This move complements recent digital milestones, such as the National Educational Technology (EdTech) Strategy and the “eLearn” platform, which provides curriculum-aligned digital resources to students nationwide. By prioritizing connectivity, the Federal Government is positioning Nigerian students to compete effectively in a technology-driven global economy.