Kabiru Haruna
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has inaugurated the Ministerial Implementation Committee (MIC) on Zero-Rated Data and Devices during a Ministerial Roundtable held in Abuja.
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The event, supported by PLANE International and the UK International Development, brought together key stakeholders in the education sector to discuss strategies for advancing digital learning and bridging the connectivity gap among teachers and students across Nigeria.
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In his keynote address, Dr. Alausa commended development partners for their continued collaboration and support, noting that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of transforming the education sector.
He emphasized that effective partnerships with private organizations are essential to achieving the goals of the sector.
“All output is directly proportional to input; quality teachers produce quality education,” the Minister said, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to improving capacity development and fostering citizens’ empowerment at all levels.
Dr. Alausa identified priority interventions under the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) strategic framework, which include Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM), girl-child education, reducing the number of out-of-school children, data and digitalization, and quality assurance
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He stressed that asking teachers to personally pay for data would defeat the purpose of the initiative, describing the program as an evidence-based intervention designed to ensure access and inclusivity.
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The Minister also highlighted ongoing collaborations with key examination bodies such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to align with the initiative.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his political will and financial support toward advancing educational reforms.
Dr. Alausa further noted that the introduction of smart boards in schools is yielding positive results, as both teachers and students have quickly adapted to a digital learning environment with curriculum content embedded in high-quality interactive tools.
He also revealed that the government is working to certify university graduate programs to enhance employability and ensure that digital learning contributes meaningfully to job creation.
In her welcome address, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad—represented by the Deputy Director, Special Duties, Mrs. Elizabeth Apafe—described the roundtable as both timely and strategic.
She noted that “the future of learning is digital, powered by connectivity,” and commended partners for their role in enhancing teaching and learning processes.
She urged stakeholders to sustain inclusive efforts that would ensure teachers, even in remote villages, are not left behind in the digital transformation drive.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of major education agencies including the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), and the National Educational Development Institute (NEDI).
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They collectively described the Zero-Rated Data and Devices initiative as a catalyst for rapid development in the education sector, aimed at overcoming the “analogue syndrome” and fostering equitable access to quality digital education through public-private partnerships.
The event featured technical sessions and partner engagements, all centered around the theme of providing limitless educational opportunities through digital inclusion and innovation.