The Federal Government has launched a nationwide initiative to modernise colleges of education through the provision of advanced digital tools aimed at improving teacher training, strengthening digital literacy, and expanding access to quality education.
The programme commenced with the distribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment to 15 Federal and State Colleges of Education selected from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The intervention is being implemented under the project titled, “Capacity-building of Teachers to Promote Continuous and Inclusive Access to Safe and Quality Education for Girls in West Africa,” with support from the Government of Japan and the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA).
Speaking at the handover ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the initiative as a significant step towards transforming teacher education and promoting inclusive learning across the country.
She explained that the project, which also covers Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, and Mauritania, aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education’s priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of educational quality, equity, digital transformation, and inclusive learning opportunities.
According to the minister, teachers remain the foundation of every successful education system, stressing that meaningful reforms can only be achieved when educators are adequately trained, motivated, and equipped with modern digital skills.
Professor Ahmad noted that UNESCO-IICBA, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and participating institutions, procured the ICT equipment to improve learning facilities and support the integration of technology into teacher education.
She said the digital tools would enhance both pre-service and in-service teacher training by increasing access to digital resources, encouraging innovative teaching approaches, and promoting learner-centred classroom practices.
The institutions benefiting from the initiative include Federal College of Education, Kontagora; Federal College of Education, Zaria; Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe; Federal College of Education, Yola; Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze; College of Education, Zuba; Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education; Enugu State College of Education (Technical); Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso; Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu; Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto; Adamawa State College of Education, Hong; and Taraba State College of Education, Zing.
The equipment distributed includes 65 laptops with protective cases, 71 tablets, four desktop computers, five interactive smart boards, 19 all-in-one desktop systems, 14 projectors, 15 printers, and 15 backup hard drives.
The minister stated that the intervention would help develop digitally skilled teachers capable of meeting the demands of modern education and preparing learners for a technology-driven world.
She added that the programme also featured consultations and training sessions focused on safe school environments, infrastructure protection, implementation of the Safe School Declaration, and the use of ICT to support inclusive and gender-responsive teaching practices.
Professor Ahmad emphasised the importance of secure learning environments, particularly for girls and vulnerable learners, noting that safe and supportive schools are essential for achieving quality education outcomes.
She further highlighted key priorities of the ministry, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), girl-child education, out-of-school children initiatives, quality assurance, data management, and digital transformation.
The minister also revealed that the government is implementing additional programmes aimed at supporting female teachers and school leaders through mobile learning platforms while facilitating the integration of out-of-school children into formal education.
Speaking at the event, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, Hitoshi Kozaki, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting education development across Nigeria and the African continent.
Kozaki expressed optimism that the project would have a lasting impact on participating institutions and improve educational opportunities for students, especially girls.
He noted that Japan’s partnership with African countries is built on collaboration, mutual respect, and local ownership rather than externally imposed solutions.
Also speaking, the Director of UNESCO-IICBA, Dr. Quentin Wodon, commended Nigeria’s ongoing education reforms and its engagement in international education initiatives.
Wodon stressed the need to encourage more women to take up leadership positions within schools, citing evidence from several countries that shows improved educational outcomes when women serve in leadership roles.
The Federal Ministry of Education expressed appreciation to UNESCO-IICBA, the Government of Japan, the African Union, and other development partners for their support. It also urged beneficiary institutions to ensure the effective and sustainable use of the ICT facilities to strengthen teacher training and improve learning outcomes nationwide.
