The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to accelerate the nationwide rollout of Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools as part of its drive to expand access to quality basic education and improve learning outcomes across Nigeria.
To achieve this, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, on Tuesday inaugurated the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee in Abuja to fast-track the completion and operationalisation of the schools.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, and released on Wednesday.
Speaking during the inauguration, Alausa said the committee's performance would be measured by the number of schools that become fully operational and successfully deliver quality education to Nigerian children.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and its Renewed Hope Agenda, describing education as a critical pillar for national development.
According to the minister, the Smart Schools initiative is designed to equip learners with digital and technological skills needed for the modern economy, while the Bilingual Schools programme seeks to promote linguistic inclusion, strengthen learning outcomes and foster national integration.
He added that the Alternative Schools initiative is aimed at expanding access to education for vulnerable and underserved groups, particularly girls and the large population of out-of-school children.
FG raises concern over stalled UBEC projects
Alausa expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation of several UBEC-funded projects, noting that many schools remain either incomplete or have yet to commence academic activities.
He directed the committee to collaborate closely with UBEC, state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of projects, provision of furniture and essential facilities, deployment of qualified teachers, enrolment of learners and full commencement of academic activities.
The minister also reiterated the Federal Government's plan to abolish the separation between Junior Secondary Schools and Senior Secondary Schools, arguing that the existing arrangement has contributed to overcrowding in junior secondary schools, underutilisation of senior secondary infrastructure and rising dropout rates.
He disclosed that the proposal would be presented at the next National Council on Education meeting as part of wider reforms aimed at improving access to education and enhancing learning outcomes nationwide.
Ministry, UBEC pledge support
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, the Director of Basic Education, Folake Davis, commended the minister's leadership and assured the committee of the ministry's full support.
She also acknowledged the contributions of UBEC, development partners, state governments and other stakeholders in advancing inclusive and quality basic education across the country.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, described the committee as a strategic mechanism for strengthening implementation, accountability and sustainability in the education sector.
Garba disclosed that 37 Smart Schools have been established nationwide, with 24 already operational.
She further revealed that 30 Bilingual Schools are currently being implemented across nine participating states under the UBEC-Islamic Development Bank partnership, while the Alternative Schools Programme continues to expand educational opportunities for out-of-school children through flexible and inclusive learning models.
Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Rashid Adewumi Aderinoye, pledged that members would discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and transparency to ensure government investments result in fully functional schools that deliver quality education for Nigerian children.
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