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UBEC, DLN to Distribute 47m Laptops, Tablets to Students, Teachers 

UBEC, DLN to Distribute 47m Laptops, Tablets to Students, Teachers 

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Digital Learning Network (DLN), to implement a comprehensive National Digital Education Transformation Project, increase access and improve quality of education. 

The MoU, signed at a brief ceremony at UBEC headquarters on Monday in Abuja, involving the US-based corporation, will ensure the distribution of 47 million laptops and tablets to students and teachers across Nigeria’s basic education sector — pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary schools — with equitable access to world-class digital learning tools, infrastructure and training.

DLN, working with Deloitte Financial Advisory, UBA Plc., Zenith Bank and the National Credit Guarantee Company, will fully fund this transformation through private investments from development finance institutions that support its global technology partners and institutional investors.

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, in her remarks, highlighted the importance of the project, saying the initiative would transform learning in pre-primary, primary and junior secondary schools, especially in remote and underserved communities.

She noted that the project represents one of the most significant educational technology initiatives globally. 

The core components, as detailed in the MoU, included device deployment involving the distribution of 47 million DLN-branded laptops and tablets pre-loaded with digital textbooks and interactive learning materials fully aligned with the Nigerian curriculum set by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

There would also the deployment of a robust hybrid internet infrastructure combining 5G, local telecom partnerships, and SpaceX’s Starlink satellite technology to guarantee minimum broadband speeds of 50 Mbps for schools, even in the most remote and rural communities.

The UBEC boss further disclosed that there would also be a nationwide digital pedagogy programme for educators, administrators, and support staff in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) to ensure  alignment with national standards.

According to her, the project involves deployment of Advanced Learning Platform that would see to the implementation of an AI-powered Learning Management System (LMS) for real-time student performance tracking, automated grading and enhanced parent-teacher communication.

“This partnership is a testament to our commitment to fulfilling our mandate under the UBEC Act. 

“By leveraging DLN’s technology and financing model, we can bridge the digital divide and ensure every Nigerian child has access to quality basic education, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, National Policy on Education and Sustainable Development Goal 4. This is a transformative leap for our education system,” she stated. 

According to Garba, “This partnership will provide about 47 million students and their teachers with devices bundled with digital learning content and internet connectivity.

“It’s a transformative leap to our education system in Nigeria. In addition to the 47 million devices, laptops, there will also be a provision of connectivity, internet connectivity, working with all the relevant partners, ensuring that there is infrastructure, as well as the minimum standards across all the schools that will benefit from this particular project. 

“There will be teacher training in collaboration with the National Teachers Institute to ensure that it aligns with our national standards.” 

She added that the project would also include teacher training, internet access and the establishment of regional hubs for assembling and distributing the devices.

“The hubs will create jobs, build local expertise, and boost the economy,” Garba said.

On his part, DLN President and CEO, Mr. Thomas Larmena, described the rollout as 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. We have secured strong global partners including Huawei and Samsung and we are ready to roll out nationwide,” Larmena stated.

He revealed that the project had already begun in Akwa Ibom State, with more states set to join through commitments from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

“This is a unique opportunity, and for us, with this project, it becomes the largest digital transformation education project across Africa. 

“So we are very proud and very happy to be here, and we want to give a lot of thanks to the executive director and her team for working with us in getting the project to this stage,” he said.

A critical pillar of this collaboration is the establishment of state-of-the-art regional laptop assembly facilities within Nigeria. 

These facilities, to be located in special economic zones, will have an initial production capacity of one million devices annually, scalable to two million.

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Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Digital Learning Network (DLN), to implement a comprehensive National Digital Education Transformation
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UNICEF Launches Nutrition Supplements to Combat Malnutrition in Plateau

UNICEF Launches Nutrition Supplements to Combat Malnutrition in Plateau

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over 5,392 cartons of Small Quantity Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) procured by the Plateau State Government to tackle malnutrition among vulnerable children in the state.

At the official launch, the Deputy Governor of the state, Ngo Josephine Piyo, emphasized that the initiative represents a significant investment in the physical and mental development of children, reaffirming the state’s commitment to promoting proper nutrition within the first 1,000 days of life as it has long-term implication on health outcomes.

Stressing that daily consumption of SQ-LNS is a proactive step in preventing malnutrition, chronic diseases and avoidable illnesses among children, Piyo observed that the supplements are targeted at children aged six to 23 months, and are expected to benefit 80,000 children across the state for a period of five months.

UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, highlighted the benefits of the supplements, noting that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life are critical for physical and cognitive development, with up to 75% of growth potential attained during this period.

She noted that inadequate nutrition during this stage increases vulnerability to illness and mortality.

According to her, the supplements are specifically designed to enrich the diet of children between six and 23 months, thereby addressing malnutrition at its root.

Saeed commended the state government for allocating N500 million in 2025 to sustain the fight against malnutrition, describing it as a long-term investment in the future of children. 

She also noted that the supplements will be distributed across all local government areas, reaching both urban and rural communities.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Adams Lekshak, described malnutrition as a pressing societal challenge with severe consequences, including delayed cognitive development, higher infant mortality rates, weakened human capital and reduced economic productivity.

He added that it was to address these challenges that the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNICEF, establishing a multi-year partnership on sustainable nutrition. 

“Through this agreement, an initial allocation of $200,000, supported by UNICEF, facilitated the procurement of the 5,392 cartons of SQ-LNS now being distributed,” Lekshak said.

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Seriki Adinoyi in Jos The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over 5,392 cartons of Small Quantity Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) procured by the Plateau State Government to tackle
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Edo School Emerges Winner of NCDMB, NGOs STEM Programme On Robotics

Edo School Emerges Winner of NCDMB, NGOs STEM Programme On Robotics

Sylvester Idowu in Warri 

Ozolua Grammar School, Ologbo, Edo State, has emerged the winner of a 16-week STEM training programme on robotics, defeating eight other secondary schools at the grand finale held in Effurun, Delta State.

The programme, themed ‘Robotics for a Sustainable and Inclusive Skilled Economy,’ was organised for selected schools across Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States.

It was facilitated by Contego Servo, Odyssey Educational Foundation and Phoenix Girls Tech Foundation and sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Girls and Tech Foundation, Dr Elizabeth Eterigho, emphasised that robotics is not just a learning tool but a gateway to innovation and critical thinking, essential for the 21st-century workforce.

The training aimed to empower students with hands-on experience in robotics while encouraging creativity and technical problem-solving.

“Over the past four months, we have embarked on an inspiring journey of discovery, innovation and empowerment.

“Teachers and students from various secondary schools have come together not only to learn the fundamentals of robotics, programming and applied STEM, but to envision a future where knowledge translates into skills and skills translate into solutions.

“The projects and prototypes they will showcase today are not just exercises in robotics; they are expressions of creativity, teamwork and determination that reflect the power of STEM education in shaping lives and societies,” she said.

According to Eterigho, the programme had proved that when given the opportunity, “our young people can dream, design and deliver solutions that matter”.

She commended the sole sponsor of the programme, NCDMB, saying that together, “we are laying the foundation for an economy that values skills, sustainability, and inclusiveness”.

A representative of the NCDMB, Mr Weyinmi Ebiyon, said that the programme was designed to enhance the quality of education in the country.

Ebiyon, on behalf of the board, commended the resource persons and trainers and urged the trainees to put into proper use the knowledge acquired from the training.

Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu, commended the NCDMB and the facilitators for putting the training together.

She assured them that the state government would key into the programme to elevate the knowledge of students in the state in areas of STEM robotic education.

Iwere Secondary School, Koko in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State came second, while Nana Model College, Warri in Warri South LGA emerged third.

Other schools with representatives were: Community Secondary School, Kalio-Ama Okrika and Community Secondary School, Rumuoro Ogbakiri Emuoha, both in Rivers State.

Ajoki Secondary School, Ajoki, in Edo State; Okotie Eboh Grammar School, Sapele in Delta State; CSS Okutukutu/Etegwe and Epie National High School Kpansia, Yenagoa, in Bayelsa State also took part in the training.

A teacher from Ozolua Grammar School, Ologbo, Mr. Okoh Isaac, expressed gratitude to God for the victory.

He commended the organisers and sponsor of the programme and urged government to invest more in technology.

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Sylvester Idowu in Warri  Ozolua Grammar School, Ologbo, Edo State, has emerged the winner of a 16-week STEM training programme on robotics, defeating eight other secondary schools at the grand
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