FG unveils initiative to connect schools nationwide to internet

Today, March 11, 2026, the Federal Government officially launched a major initiative to connect schools across Nigeria to reliable, high-speed internet. This move is part of a broader push to integrate modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the classroom and expand digital learning nationwide.

Key Details of the Initiative
Unified Effort: The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, held a high-level meeting in Abuja to coordinate the rollout.

Total Coverage: Unlike previous programs that focused primarily on universities, this new framework is designed to reach all levels of education, including primary and secondary schools, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Diversified Infrastructure: The plan moves beyond just fiber-optic cables. It will leverage a mix of telecommunications towers, satellite systems (NigComSat), and other digital backbones to ensure even remote schools are reached.

Revival of NG-REN: The initiative builds on the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NG-REN), which had slowed down after its initial funding. The government is now reviving and scaling it to serve the entire sector.

Related Digital Projects Currently UnderwayThe government has several other "digital pillars" working alongside this school connectivity project:ProjectTarget / ImpactStatus

Project BRIDGE Connect 38,803 public schools and 16,872 health facilities. Implementation started early 2026 with $500m World Bank backing.
Project 774 LG Provide internet to all 774 Local Government secretariats. Ongoing; serving as a hub for rural digital access.
Digital Literacy Train 1 million Nigerians in digital skills. Committee inaugurated in Jan 2026 to hit 95% literacy by 2030.
Fibre Expansion Lay 90,000km of new fiber-optic cable. Phased rollout currently active in Q1 2026.

Why This Matters Now
The timing is critical because the Ministry of Education recently unveiled a new school curriculum that heavily emphasizes digital skills and entrepreneurship. By providing the internet "plumbing" now, the government aims to ensure that students across the country—not just those in urban centers like Lagos or Abuja—can actually use the new digital tools they are being taught.

Safe Schools Update: In addition to internet access, the government also recently launched a National Digital Safety Platform (monitored by the NSSRCC) to provide real-time security monitoring for educational institutions.