The federal government has started building 37 “smart schools” across the country to boost information and communication technologies (ICTs).
Dr Hamid Bobboyi, executive secretary of the Universal Commission for Basic Education (UBEC), told reporters on Wednesday in Abuja.
Bobboyi said major work has been done at 20 of the 37 schools to be built, while work will begin soon for the remaining 17.
According to him, the initiative has become necessary to ensure that Nigeria competes favorably in today’s tech world.
The Executive Secretary stressed that one of the best ways to take this step was to introduce children to e-learning as soon as they register for school.
“In many parts of the world, online learning is an integral part of learning. Some private schools have been in this business for quite some time.
“For public schools, we are doing everything we can to make sure that we provide this opportunity to every Nigerian child, whether they can afford the expenses or not,” he said.
Regarding the budget for the project, Bobboyi said the program was an expensive endeavor, but the government believed it was worth doing because it would develop the next generation of teachers.
“Meanwhile, the project has a rolling budget. We distribute the funds in installments according to the availability of resources.
“An average cost of building each of the schools at the zonal level is 600 million naira because they have more facilities.
“The average of state models is around N 350,000 per school,” said the executive secretary.
Speaking on the uniqueness of “smart schools,” he said they would be convenient, giving children the option to use gadgets as soon as they register.
“Each of the schools has a primary and junior secondary section. Junior high school students will be introduced to artificial intelligence.
“There are also provisions for special education to ensure that we do not isolate children with special needs.
“Other facilities in schools are the electronic library, robotic labs, and vocational training labs, among others,” he said.
Regarding some challenges that schools may face, including power shortage, insufficient access to internet services as well as insecurity, Bobboyi said all of these issues have been addressed.
He said: “We are in contact with relevant government agencies and internet service providers and they are ready to render their services to ensure unhindered internet connectivity.
“It will undoubtedly be one of the most expensive components of the school, but the project is worth it because of its many benefits.
“These schools will have a central control system that will be in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It will be a digital resource center hosting the servers of each of the schools.
“We will also have a backup at the zonal levels if there is a problem with the central server.
“In terms of power supply, we are working with a Chinese company on a solar system with back-up generators for flawless service.
“There will also be security gadgets like closed circuit television (CCTV) to ensure adequate protection of life and property.”
Bobboyi added that the government was doing so much to ensure professional learning in schools. (NOPE)
