By Felix Khanoba
On Thursday, the Federal Government unveiled the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Digital Resource Centre (DRC) in Abuja’s Kado area. This initiative aims to advance smart education across Nigeria.
Professor Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, inaugurated the centre, highlighting its purpose to foster a technologically advanced teaching and learning environment for educators and students.
According to Mamman, over 10,000 teachers and educators have already undergone training at the DRC, preparing them for the launch of 37 Smart Schools constructed by the Federal Government through UBEC in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Mamman emphasized the centre’s global significance, noting its timely establishment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which focuses on developing vocational institutions nationwide. He assured that continuous efforts would be made to upgrade the centre to ensure high-quality educational delivery.
Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, underscored the importance of universal education, asserting that Nigerian children should receive the same quality of education as their peers worldwide. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, she committed to collaborating with the centre to achieve its objectives.
Senator Lawal Adamu, Chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, echoed these sentiments, praising UBEC for the DRC and emphasizing the critical role of smart education centres in global development.
Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, UBEC’s Executive Secretary, described the centre’s establishment as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of digital education. He stated, “UBEC’s mandate is to coordinate quality education in Nigeria through innovations like the Digital Resource Centre, leveraging technology to ensure students and teachers access global educational tools.”
Bobboyi noted that the centre aims to provide high-quality digital content to bridge the gap between traditional and modern learning. “We envision a future where every Nigerian child has access to quality education,” he added.
