The Federal Government has unveiled plans to provide internet connectivity to schools across the country as part of efforts to strengthen digital learning and expand access to modern educational tools.

The initiative was disclosed following a high-level meeting between the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the government said the move aligns with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expand digital infrastructure across critical sectors of the economy, particularly education.

According to Alausa, the plan is designed to harness technology, including Artificial Intelligence, to improve teaching and learning while expanding access to digital resources for students and teachers across Nigeria.

He explained that the government intends to develop a coordinated framework that will ensure internet connectivity across all levels of education — from foundational and secondary schools to universities and colleges.

The minister noted that the programme would build on earlier efforts under the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), which previously supported broadband access for tertiary institutions through a World Bank-funded project.

He said although the earlier initiative recorded some success in connecting universities, progress slowed after the initial funding cycle ended, making it necessary for the government to revive and expand the programme.

Alausa stressed that the renewed effort would not rely solely on fibre broadband but would also include telecommunications towers, satellite systems and other digital infrastructure needed to ensure reliable internet connectivity nationwide.

He disclosed that the Federal Government is currently deploying about 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic broadband infrastructure across the country.

In addition, about 3,700 telecommunications towers are expected to be installed, particularly in rural and underserved communities, to improve nationwide connectivity.

According to him, deliberate steps would be taken to ensure that schools are connected as fibre cables are laid and towers are deployed across different parts of the country.

He added that the governing council of NgREN would be expanded to include representatives from foundational and secondary education to enhance coordination and implementation.

The minister further revealed that two technical working groups have been established to drive the implementation of the project across tertiary institutions as well as foundational and secondary schools.

Alausa expressed optimism that the first phase of the programme would begin to yield visible improvements within three months.

He said improved internet connectivity would enable teachers and students to access digital learning platforms, global knowledge resources and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.

The minister also noted that the expanded digital infrastructure would support examination reforms, particularly the gradual transition to Computer-Based Testing for national examinations.

Also speaking, Tijani said technology-driven education cannot thrive without reliable internet connectivity.

He explained that although Nigeria currently hosts about eight international subsea internet cables — the highest number in Africa — the major challenge remains the distribution of internet capacity from landing points to communities across the country.

According to him, most of the cables land in Lagos, but inadequate inland fibre infrastructure limits the ability to distribute the internet capacity to schools and communities nationwide.