…emphasizes Nigeria’s role in global digital learning
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has underscored the importance of digital learning tools to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education.
She stressed that equipping students across the country with digital resources is essential to ensure Nigeria is not left behind in the global digital community.
At the launch of the U-Lesson tablet distribution to primary and secondary schools across nine Niger Delta states, an initiative by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the transformative potential of these devices.
“These digital devices provide access to extensive educational resources, enabling students to learn independently and beyond classroom instruction,” the First Lady remarked. “They serve as powerful learning tools that drive academic excellence, creativity, and innovation rather than mere gadgets for recreation.”
Mrs. Tinubu praised the U-Lesson software’s compatibility with Nigeria’s educational framework, noting its offline video library feature, which allows students to access content without an internet connection. “The software’s parental controls and 18-hour battery life make it a reliable, safe tool for students and teachers alike,” she added.
The First Lady emphasized the significance of this initiative in advancing Goal 4 of the SDGs by supplementing traditional classroom learning with digital resources.
“By equipping our schools with these tools, we are empowering students to better grasp their subjects and perform well in exams,” she said.
She also noted that the program aligns with the Federal Government’s Digital Policy, aimed at fostering a robust digital learning environment. “Nigeria cannot afford to be left out of the global digital village.”
As part of the initiative, the NDDC has hired a consultant to train teachers in using the U-Lesson tablets effectively. “To the students, I hope these tablets inspire you to dream big, work hard, and achieve your goals,” Mrs. Tinubu urged. “Education is the key to unlocking your potential and shaping your future.”
NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku described the distribution as the first phase of a larger project to increase student access to digital resources across the Niger Delta. “We recognize that more than 45,000 students need these resources, and we will continue to collaborate with U-Lesson to produce additional tablets,” he stated.
Ogbuku highlighted that while school facilities in the region often need repair, digital tools offer sustainable solutions. “Digital resources, unlike physical infrastructure, don’t require constant renovation.”
He emphasized the need to prepare students for a global digital economy, noting that many Nigerian postgraduate students struggle with digital learning abroad. “Introducing these tablets at an early age will equip our children with essential skills for a digital world,” he said.
Ogbuku assured the public that the NDDC is committed to delivering tablets equitably and is collaborating with state education ministries and RHI to reach deserving students. He added that NDDC has partnered with U-Lesson to set up offices in each state for ongoing support and teacher training.
Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, lauded the collaboration as a step towards a brighter future for the Niger Delta.
“This partnership signifies a shared vision for prosperity and self-reliance for every child, youth, and woman in our communities,” he said.
The Minister noted the initiative’s alignment with critical areas of sustainable development such as education, health, youth empowerment, and agriculture. He emphasized a particular focus on STEM education, announcing plans to distribute STEM textbooks alongside the tablets.
Momoh also introduced Project HOPE and the Niger Delta Youth Internship Scheme (NYIS) as complementary initiatives to foster a culture of service, leadership, and employment readiness among young people in the region.
“Project HOPE instills leadership values, while NYIS prepares youth for meaningful employment,” he explained. The Minister stressed that empowering women through skill acquisition programs remains a priority, as it strengthens families and communities.
Expressing support for the partnership, U-Lesson founder Sim Shagaya reiterated the company’s mission to increase educational access rather than profits.
“Our goal at U-Lesson is widespread adoption, not profit,” Shagaya said, highlighting the NDDC’s role in reaching underserved communities. He noted that early adopters were mainly from affluent areas, contrary to U-Lesson’s goal of equitable access.
“This initiative is one of the largest investments in education technology by a government agency in Africa,” he added.
Looking ahead, Shagaya suggested future expansions in U-Lesson’s offerings, including teaching centers that connect students in remote areas with qualified instructors. “These tablets are embedded with a full curriculum for Nigerian students, aiming to foster an inclusive learning environment,” he said.
WHO Country Representative for Nigeria, Walter Mulombo, voiced strong support for the partnership, which he called crucial for meeting the needs of children in the Niger Delta. “This generation of youth is the largest in history, with many in developing nations,” Mulombo remarked, emphasizing the need to support their potential.
He praised the U-Lesson tablet distribution as a step toward equitable education access, referring to recent international commitments to youth development. “Nigeria is leading by example with this initiative,” he said, underscoring the urgency of acting on behalf of youth.
Mulombo affirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the project and urged stakeholders to leverage the opportunity to foster a brighter future for children across the region.
