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Revolutionizing Basic Education In The Digital Age: A Comprehensive Overview

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By Abubakar Yusuf

In a groundbreaking stride towards transforming the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) into a dynamic and streamlined agency, the vision of becoming a one-stop-shop for education-related activities is rapidly taking shape.

The pursuit of this goal involves not only the synchronization of field operations and national offices but also a profound adaptation to the modern digital era.

As the cornerstone of foundational education, the imperative to integrate the latest pedagogical trends into its operational framework became the rallying point for UBEC’s visionary transformation.

In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, UBEC took an audacious step by implementing a pioneering system – the ‘Smart School’ initiative.

This transformative measure seeks to address the multifaceted challenges engendered by both natural and artificial forces.

Undeterred by the aftershocks of the pandemic, UBEC has invested significantly in establishing ‘Smart Schools’ across all six geopolitical zones.

To disregard the central theme of this transformation would be counterproductive, running contrary to both global mandates and requisites.

The global trend, along with the national and international demands, underscores the urgency to bridge the digital divide, as aptly highlighted by the Federal Government’s digital transformation policy.

To ensure UBEC’s alignment with this global wave, a Technical Working Group (TWG) was constituted.

Tasked with harmonizing operations and records across government entities, this initiative aimed to position UBEC as a forward-thinking entity.

The driving force behind this transformative effort lies in the multitude of benefits derived from an automated and digitized approach, which culminates in the elimination of paper-based activities.

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Indeed, UBEC has embarked on an all-encompassing journey into Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The initiative encompasses innovative ICT solutions, a revitalized website, and an enhanced wireless infrastructure (WLAN) to bolster internal connectivity, ultimately redefining operational paradigms.

By automating the process, the commission is set to revolutionize data collection via e-questionnaires, a pivotal shift from traditional methodologies.

This recalibration aligns seamlessly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), serving as a linchpin in achieving a robust Basic Education system at all tiers.

Recognizing Basic Education’s role as a springboard for broader educational elevation, the commission acknowledges the imperative of a contemporary website design.

This redesigned platform prioritizes mobile responsiveness, fosters meaningful interactions, and optimizes server capabilities – collectively forming the bedrock of the commission’s modus operandi.

Ubiquitous digital transformation, underscored by governmental policy, not only augments service delivery but also fosters citizen-centric information systems.

This extends beyond government circles, permeating the private sector and taking root within the informal economy.

Without a shadow of a doubt, UBEC’s current trajectory will not only streamline its operations nationwide but will also facilitate seamless correspondence and mandate fulfillment.

This sweeping transformation is buttressed by consistent in-house training, workshops, seminars, and comprehensive orientation programs, facilitated both locally and internationally.

Collaboration with governmental and private sector entities enriches these initiatives, underscoring UBEC’s commitment to holistic advancement.

Under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, UBEC showcases renewed zeal, administrative prowess, and a commitment to excellence.

This ethos positions the commission to surge ahead of local and international digital transformation benchmarks, effectively navigating the uncharted territories of education evolution.

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The cornerstone of UBEC’s operations – the ‘Smart School’ initiative – signifies a bold leap towards the commission’s aspirations.

This substantial investment forms the foundation upon which far-reaching results are anticipated and expected.

Authored by Yusuf, a distinguished Public Affairs Analyst based in Abuja. Email: yus.abubakar3@gmail.com

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Education

INEC: Petition for Natasha’s recall yet to meet constitutional requirement

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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the petition to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has yet to meet constitutional requirement.

The commission stated this in a short notice posted on its X platform.

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),” the notice said.

The commission, however, said that details of why the petition had not met the constitutional requirement would be made available shortly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a group of registered voters from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s senatorial district had, on March 24, submitted a petition to INEC, urging it to commence her recall process from the senate.

The constituents, in the letter signed by the Lead Petitioner, Salihu Habib, and submitted at INEC headquarters, said they no longer had confidence in Akpoti-Uduaghan as their senator and representative in the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, INEC had, on March 25, confirmed the receipt of the petition, accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from more than half of the 474,554 registered voters from the senatorial district.

The commission also said that it had notified the suspended senator about the receipt of the petition to recall her from the national assembly. (NAN)

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NBM Donates Educational Materials To Schools In Ogun State

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In a bid to contribute to educational advancement and development, the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa, Obafemi Owode Sub Zone, under the Ogun Region, has donated educational materials to selected government primary schools in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The initiative aligns with the Support-A-School-Child Project, spearheaded by the national leadership of NBM, aimed at bolstering education across Nigeria.

The donation was presented by Ambassador Tehinse Olanrewaju Ayoola on behalf of the Obafemi Owode Sub Zone.

Speaking at the event, Ayoola emphasised that the gesture would be an ongoing effort, particularly considering that Obafemi Owode is the largest local government area in Ogun State.

He urged students to remain focused on their studies while steering clear of cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices.

According to him, guiding young students in the right direction is crucial in preventing them from straying onto the wrong path.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to NBM of Africa, Obafemi Owode Sub Zone, for their support and prayed for the continued growth of the movement.

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TETFund to Launch 18 New Innovation Hubs Across Nigeria

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The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has unveiled its initiative to establish 18 new Innovation Hubs in tertiary institutions throughout Nigeria in 2025. This effort aims to bolster the nation’s research and innovation landscape.

During the closing ceremony of the 30th Cohort of the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative, held at the Innov8 Technology Hub in Abuja, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arch. Sonny Echono, shared the details of this ambitious project.

Echono emphasized that this initiative reflects TETFund’s dedication to nurturing a culture of problem-solving research, entrepreneurship, and technological progress. He highlighted the critical role of education and research in fostering national development and sustainable growth.

The R4i program, developed in partnership with Innov8 Technology Hub, is designed to enhance the capabilities of researchers and academics, empowering them to conduct innovative research that directly addresses societal challenges.

The Fund is committed to institutionalizing Research & Development (R&D) within Nigerian universities and fostering connections between research and industry. Echono explained that the phased establishment of Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres will enable participants to apply their skills continuously and mentor others in their innovative endeavors.

He acknowledged the importance of research in enhancing the quality of life in the nation and expressed gratitude to Innov8 for its collaboration in transforming the innovation ecosystem. Participants were encouraged to leverage their training to develop impactful innovations for their institutions and communities.

“I am pleased to recognize the impressive commitment displayed by participants of previous cohorts during their training, which led to significant innovations addressing various societal needs,” Echono remarked.

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He also noted that several innovations from prior editions were showcased at the inaugural TETFund National Research Fair/Exhibition in November 2024, and he expressed confidence that the current cohort would similarly demonstrate their innovative outputs.

Echono detailed the phased funding approach for establishing Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres, stating that the first phase will involve 12 institutions under the 2023 intervention, followed by 18 institutions in the 2024 intervention, and another 18 in 2025.

“These facilities will empower program participants to implement what they have learned at the innovation hubs and guide others,” he added.

Professor Idris M. Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), also addressed the audience, underscoring the necessity of patenting innovations and registering trade names for intellectual property protection. He urged Nigerian polytechnics to spearhead practical innovation by applying scientific principles to develop products and technologies that could enhance Nigeria’s technological status.

Bugaje criticized the country’s dependence on foreign manufactured goods, such as vehicles and electronics, and called for a shift towards local production. He cited examples from Rwanda and Uganda, encouraging polytechnics to promote teamwork and take proactive measures to demonstrate Nigeria’s innovative capabilities, thereby contributing to the national economy.

“I believe many of the innovations you have showcased are patentable, as securing patents is a crucial step in innovation. You must protect your ideas and discoveries. Furthermore, if any names have been proposed, trade name registration is also essential,” he stated.

He emphasized the urgent need for innovation in Nigeria, reminding attendees that despite being one of the world’s largest economies, Nigeria lacks a recognizable indigenous technology. “This training is vital as it fosters teamwork, which is integral to the innovation process,” he concluded.

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Mr. Edward Singhatey, Director at Innov8 Hub, encouraged participants to take the knowledge gained back to their institutions and share it with their students to foster innovation. “We must focus on commercializing our research,” he urged, motivating attendees to utilize the resources at their disposal effectively.

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