The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Digital Learning Network (DLN) to distribute 47 million laptops and tablets to students and teachers nationwide.
The agreement, sealed at UBEC headquarters in Abuja, marks the launch of the National Digital Education Transformation Project, one of the most ambitious educational technology initiatives globally.
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, underscored the impact, stating the project would bridge gaps in pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary schools, especially in underserved and remote communities.
“This initiative represents one of the most significant educational technology projects globally. It will transform learning in schools across the country,” Garba said.
The rollout, according to UBEC, goes beyond device distribution. Each laptop and tablet—branded by DLN—will be pre-loaded with digital textbooks, interactive resources, and curriculum-aligned content developed by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
The project also promises robust internet coverage, combining 5G technology, local telecom partnerships, and SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service, to guarantee minimum broadband speeds of 50 Mbps in rural areas.
In addition, a nationwide digital pedagogy training programme will be introduced for educators, ensuring alignment with national standards. The plan further includes deployment of an AI-powered Learning Management System (LMS) to enable real-time student performance tracking, automated grading, and enhanced parent-teacher communication.
DLN President and CEO, Mr. Thomas Larmena, called it the largest digital education project in Africa.
“This is a unique opportunity to digitally transform Nigeria’s education sector at no cost to federal or state governments, while keeping costs low for parents and students,” Larmena explained.
“We have secured strong global partners including Huawei and Samsung, and we are ready to roll out nationwide.”
He revealed that the project had already kicked off in Akwa Ibom State, with other states expected to join through commitments from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).
“With this project, it becomes the largest digital transformation education project across Africa. We are proud to be part of this,” he added.
The headline “UBEC, DLN Roll Out 47 Million Laptops, Tablets in Landmark Education Project” is expected to dominate discussions across the education sector, as stakeholders laud the unprecedented scale of the initiative.
