Abuja, Nigeria, The Federal Government has rolled out a major initiative aimed at connecting schools across the country to high speed internet, a move expected to revolutionize digital learning and education outcomes in Nigeria.

The programme, officially launched on March 11, 2026, comes as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to expand national digital infrastructure and ensure essential sectors, particularly education, benefit from enhanced broadband connectivity.

Collaboration Between Ministries

The Ministers of Education and Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Tunji Alausa and Bosun Tijani held strategic discussions with stakeholders in Abuja to finalize plans for implementing the project. The initiative targets all levels of education, from primary and secondary schools to tertiary institutions, ensuring equitable access to digital resources.

Comprehensive Digital Infrastructure

The project goes beyond installing fibre-optic cables. Key components include:

1.Laying approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic broadband to extend high speed internet nationwide.

2.Building around 3,700 telecommunications towers, prioritizing rural and underserved areas.

3.Expanding satellite networks and other digital infrastructure to strengthen coverage.

Minister Alausa emphasized that schools will be fully integrated into this growing digital network as these infrastructures are deployed.

Implementation & Oversight

Two dedicated technical teams have been created: one for tertiary institutions and another for primary and secondary schools. The Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) will expand to include representatives from all education levels, enhancing coordination. Officials anticipate that the first phase will deliver noticeable improvements within three months.

Impact on Education

The expanded connectivity will give teachers and students access to global academic materials, online learning platforms, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. It is also expected to support initiatives like Computer Based Testing (CBT) for national examinations.

According to Dr. Tijani, while Nigeria has access to international subsea internet cables, inland connectivity has remained a challenge. This project is designed to bring those resources into classrooms and communities across the nation.

Towards Inclusive Digital Learning

This initiative represents one of the most ambitious efforts to date to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria’s schools, offering new opportunities for education innovation and more inclusive learning experiences nationwide.