The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the NCDMB-UBEC Smart Schools Development Initiative (NUSSDI). The initiative aims to improve educational infrastructure, especially in areas with high rates of out-of-school children and underserved rural communities, while integrating technology into learning, building teachers’ capacity, and enhancing learning outcomes.
During the signing ceremony held in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, stated that the NUSSDI would combine the mandates, expertise, and resources of both agencies to establish smart schools equipped with modern technology and innovative teaching methods. He emphasized that the goal is to equip future leaders with the knowledge, skills, and technological capabilities to excel in an increasingly digital world. Ogbe also highlighted that basic education serves as the foundation for human capital development, noting that NCDMB is committed to developing a talent pipeline for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, Executive Secretary of UBEC, hailed the MoU as a “game changer” for the funding and implementation of basic education. He added that the partnership would have a lasting impact on children, families, and Nigeria’s future. Dr. Bobboyi called for increased resources and collaboration with other agencies to bridge the funding gaps in the education sector.
Under the MoU, NCDMB will provide training and professional development opportunities for teachers, while both agencies will collaborate on infrastructure development projects. The agreement also focuses on implementing local content programs in basic education, fostering research and development, and promoting industry-academia partnerships.
The Smart Schools Development Initiative expands NCDMB’s efforts to promote digital education and the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through this program, NCDMB has already provided several secondary schools across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones with fully equipped Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centers and has trained numerous teachers to improve their teaching effectiveness.