NCDMB targets building smart learning centres until the last out-of-school children have been reached
These schools when they have been built will possess designs that cater to a conducive learning environment which fosters the intellectual development of children and prepares them for the challenges of a digital world.
In a landmark move to address the educational needs of Nigeria’s out-of-school children, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have joined forces. On October 17, 2024, the two agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the NCDMB-UBEC Smart Schools Development Initiative (NUSSDI), a strategic partnership to transform the educational landscape for underserved communities.
The NUSSDI is poised to be a game-changer in basic education. Focusing on areas plagued by high rates of out-of-school children, this initiative promises to deliver not just educational infrastructure but a holistic integration of technology in learning. The collaboration between NCDMB and UBEC is a testament to the government’s commitment to harnessing technology for educational advancement and addressing the disparities in access to quality education.
What the initiative envisages is the construction of smart schools equipped with modern technology and innovative teaching methods.
These schools when they have been built will possess designs that cater to a conducive learning environment which fosters the intellectual development of children and prepares them for the challenges of a digital world.
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Specifically for the NCDMB, with its mandate to develop local content and human capital in the oil and gas sector, there will be the bringing forth to the table vast expertise in running a talent-equipped pipeline which funnels out necessary skills and knowledge.
At the signing ceremony, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, highlighted the initiative’s potential to equip the next generation of leaders with the technological capacity to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
On the other side of the table was Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, echoing a similar sentiment. He described the MOU as a significant step towards funding and implementing basic education in Nigeria.
The NUSSDI is not just about building schools; it’s about building futures. By integrating technology into the curriculum, the initiative aims to improve learning outcomes and build the capacity of teachers and educational administrators. This approach aligns with global educational trends and ensures that Nigerian children are not left behind in the rapidly evolving digital age.
Moreover, the initiative seeks to foster research and development in basic education and promote industry-academia partnerships. These efforts are crucial for creating a sustainable and innovative educational system that can adapt to future challenges and opportunities.
The impact of the NUSSDI extends beyond the classroom walls. It represents a broader vision for Nigeria’s future, one where every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education and contribute to the nation’s growth. The smart schools developed under this initiative will serve as beacons of hope, inspiring communities and demonstrating the transformative power of education.
As the project unfolds, it will undoubtedly inspire similar initiatives across the continent and the world, proving that with collaboration and innovation, the next generation will be better empowered than those who preceded them.
