The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has introduced its Digital Transformation and Change Management Roadmap while inaugurating 100 Digital Champions tasked with accelerating technology adoption and innovation within Nigeria’s basic education system.
Speaking during the launch and training programme held on Monday in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, described the initiative as a major milestone in the Commission’s efforts to establish a modern, technology-driven and data-focused institution capable of delivering education services more effectively.
The newly appointed Digital Champions were selected from UBEC headquarters and the various State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) across the country.
Garba explained that the Commission’s digital transformation strategy is aimed at harnessing technology and innovation to improve operational effectiveness, strengthen collaboration, support informed decision-making through data, and enhance the delivery of quality basic education nationwide.
She noted that the occasion represented more than the unveiling of a roadmap and the inauguration of a team, stressing that it reflected UBEC’s commitment to shaping the future of education through purposeful leadership, innovation and technology.
According to her, the roadmap provides a clear framework for modernising the Commission’s internal operations, stakeholder engagement processes and support systems within the education sector.
Garba emphasized that digital transformation is not solely about introducing technology but also about fostering innovation, improving work processes and building an organisational culture that embraces change.
She said the Commission’s vision is to become a digitally enabled and data-driven institution that delivers services efficiently, collaborates effectively and supports schools and state education authorities in providing quality learning opportunities for every Nigerian child.
The Executive Secretary revealed that UBEC has already begun deploying modern digital solutions, including the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, the UBEC Hub Intranet, digital communication platforms and data management systems designed to improve workflow, reduce administrative delays and enhance staff productivity.
She also highlighted ongoing projects focused on transforming teaching and learning across the country, including the establishment of Digital Learning Centres, expansion of Model Smart Schools, deployment of Smart Classrooms and Interactive Boards, and the strengthening of education data systems through partnerships with both local and international organisations.
Garba explained that the Digital Champions were strategically selected from departments, units, zonal offices and state offices to serve as advocates for innovation and support the adoption of new technologies and work practices throughout the Commission.
She urged the champions to embrace their roles as agents of change by helping colleagues adapt to emerging technologies, identifying opportunities for innovation and bridging knowledge gaps across the organisation.
In his remarks, the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi, encouraged the newly inaugurated champions to take their responsibilities seriously and contribute meaningfully to the Commission’s digitisation efforts.
He noted that they would play a vital role in supporting UBEC and SUBEBs to utilise technology in improving educational delivery and administrative processes.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Digital Platforms and Analytics, Yau Garba, described the inauguration as a significant step in UBEC’s ongoing digital transformation journey.
He stated that the Commission’s digital agenda aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is designed to improve internal operations while enhancing educational outcomes nationwide.
According to him, the global shift toward digital technology makes transformation inevitable, adding that resistance to change remains one of the greatest challenges facing organisations.
Garba said the Digital Champions would be instrumental in driving this transition by encouraging staff to adopt technology-based solutions and embrace new ways of working.
He further highlighted the benefits of innovations such as electronic document management systems, virtual collaboration tools and artificial intelligence, noting that they would simplify processes, improve efficiency and boost productivity.
He disclosed that UBEC has commenced the distribution of laptops to staff members and plans to intensify capacity-building initiatives to ensure effective use of digital technologies across the Commission.
The event also featured the presentation of digital devices to the newly inaugurated Digital Champions, while Dr. Aisha Garba received an Award of Excellence in recognition of her leadership and contributions to advancing digital transformation in Nigeria’s basic education sector.
