The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the NCDMB-UBEC Smart Schools Development Initiative (NUSSDI).
The MoU, signed on Thursday, will facilitate the provision of educational infrastructure, particularly in areas with high rates of out-of-school children and underserved rural communities.
The agreement includes the integration of technology in learning, capacity building for teachers and educational administrators, and the overall improvement of learning outcomes.
In his remarks at the signing ceremony in Abuja, Engr. Felix Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, explained that NUSSDI would leverage the combined mandates, expertise, and resources of both federal agencies “to establish smart schools equipped with modern technology and innovative teaching methods.”
He emphasized that the initiative will “equip the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, skills, and technological capacity necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
Ogbe highlighted that basic education is the foundation of human capital development and that NCDMB is intentional in its efforts to develop “a pipeline of talents for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.”
On his part, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, described the MoU as a “game changer” for the funding and implementation of basic education.
Bobboyi stated that the partnership would have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of children, families, and Nigeria’s future.
He called for increased resources and support in the education sector, adding that collaboration with other agencies and organizations will help bridge funding gaps.
It was gathered that under the MoU, NCDMB will provide training and professional development opportunities for teachers, while UBEC and NCDMB will collaborate on infrastructure development projects.
The MoU also aims to develop and implement local content programs in basic education, foster research and development, and promote industry-academia partnerships.
The Smart Schools Development Initiative represents a broadening of NCDMB’s programs to promote digital education and the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
As part of the initiative, NCDMB has equipped several secondary schools in the country with fully functional Information and Communication Technology Centres (ICTs) and trained numerous teachers to enhance their effectiveness in imparting knowledge and relevant skills.
