Zulum’s Model Schools Impress FG, Minister Pushes for Digital, Safer Learning Nationwide

Zulum’s Model Schools Impress FG, Minister Pushes for Digital, Safer Learning Nationwide

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Minister of Education, Professor Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has urged Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) to prioritise upgrading schools to deliver a digitalised and secure learning environment across Nigeria.

Alausa, who addressed the SUBEB chairmen and secretaries at their 28th quarterly meeting in Maiduguri described every classroom as “a powerful tool against poverty and unemployment” in all 744 local councils.

He emphasised that closing gaps in access to education must now be driven by modern, technology-enabled systems.

He explained that the push for digital transformation in basic education would help the 37 state boards standardise school structures and ensure they are equipped with modern teaching and learning facilities.

Citing Borno State as an exemplary model, the minister praised Governor Babagana Zulum’s “exceptional leadership”, noting that he has built and furnished 410 secondary schools, including 104 mega schools spread across the state’s 25 Local Government Areas.

According to him, these investments are providing a digitalised and solid learning foundation capable of reducing poverty and unemployment, particularly among young people and women.

“This is a symbol of excellence and resilience from the governor and his people in the education sector,” Alausa said.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hajiya Aisha Garba, acknowledged persistent challenges in implementing basic education policies, especially those aimed at expanding access.

She revealed that despite ongoing digitalisation efforts, the commission has only been able to reach about two million children.

Garba urged SUBEB members to intensify efforts to rebuild and modernise schools, stressing that transforming basic education remains essential to unlocking children’s potential and strengthening key sectors of the national economy.