the Federal Government has declared plans to completely phase out the use of chalkboards in schools nationwide by the year 2027. This ambitious move, according to the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, marks a decisive step toward transforming traditional classroom teaching into a fully digital, technology-driven experience aimed at preparing Nigerian students for the realities of the modern world.
The policy, unveiled during a high-level educational summit in Abuja, underscores the government’s commitment to digital learning, inclusivity, and nationwide access to smart educational tools.
The Vision: Eliminating Chalkboards, Empowering Smart Classrooms
According to the Ministry of Education, the days of chalkboards and dusty classrooms are numbered. By 2027, every public and private school in Nigeria is expected to transition to interactive digital smart boards, a move that aligns with the Federal Government’s digital education roadmap.
Dr. Sununu explained that the policy aims to ensure that Nigerian students—irrespective of their geographical location, family income, or social background—benefit from world-class educational technology. This digital transition will not only replace the chalkboard but also enhance the learning process, improve data collection, and strengthen policy implementation across all levels of education.
Digitalization of Schools: Tablets, Smart Boards, and Data Systems
To lay the foundation for this transformation, the Federal Ministry of Education has already begun distributing digital devices to various states across the country. Over 60,000 learning tablets have been distributed to schools in states such as Adamawa, Oyo, and Katsina, under initiatives like AIR Tech (AWS) and the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) project.
The Ministry also revealed that an additional 30,000 devices are expected to be rolled out soon, bringing the total number of digital tools distributed to schools to over 90,000 units before the end of 2026.
Furthermore, the Federal Government announced that the annual school census will be fully digitalized from 2026, ensuring that data from every school—public or private—is captured accurately and efficiently. This digital census will include the biometric details of every pupil, allowing for real-time monitoring of enrollment, attendance, and progression through the educational system.
Why the Change Matters: Addressing the Dropout Crisis
Beyond the introduction of technology, the initiative is also a strategic response to a pressing educational concern—the high student dropout rate. Data from the Ministry shows that of the 30 million pupils captured across 21 states through the digital system, only about six million progress to senior secondary education.
By integrating digital learning and smart technologies, the government hopes to make education more engaging and interactive, thereby reducing dropout rates and improving learning outcomes. The transition to digital tools is also expected to foster better record-keeping, reduce manual errors, and provide the data-driven insights needed to shape effective educational policies.
Integration of WAEC, JAMB, and Other Education Data Systems
Another major highlight of the reform is the plan to unify data from Nigeria’s major examination and education bodies, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
This integration will create a centralized education database, enabling the government to track students’ academic journeys from primary school through tertiary education. It will also enhance transparency, streamline admission processes, and eliminate the duplication of data that has plagued Nigeria’s education system for decades.
Government’s Commitment to Bridging the Digital Divide
The Minister emphasized that the digital education project is designed to bridge the gap between urban and rural education systems. By providing access to modern learning technologies, the government aims to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location.
Dr. Sununu stated that the Federal Government’s long-term goal is to establish digital equity, where all Nigerian students can learn using the same tools and platforms as their counterparts in developed countries.
This initiative also reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s broader vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes education, technology, and youth empowerment.
Challenges Ahead: Funding, Infrastructure, and Training
While the policy has been widely praised as visionary, experts have warned that several challenges could hinder its implementation if not properly addressed. Key concerns include:
- Insufficient power supply – Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack stable electricity to power smart boards and digital devices.
- Limited internet access – Digital learning relies heavily on internet connectivity, which remains poor in several parts of the country.
- Teacher training – Successful implementation will require comprehensive training programs to help teachers adapt to new technologies.
- Maintenance and sustainability – Beyond procurement, schools will need technical support to maintain and update their devices regularly.
- Funding consistency – Continuous financial investment is needed to sustain digital transformation and avoid abandoned projects.
The Ministry of Education, however, reassured Nigerians that plans are underway to address these concerns through strategic partnerships with technology firms, donor agencies, and private-sector stakeholders.
Stakeholders React: Optimism and Caution
Educational experts, parents, and students have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement. Many have lauded the initiative as a long-overdue modernization of Nigeria’s educational system, while others caution that the success of such an ambitious reform will depend on effective planning and equitable execution.
Teachers’ unions have particularly emphasized the need for adequate teacher training and technical support, warning that without these, smart boards could quickly become underutilized or neglected.
Nonetheless, most stakeholders agree that the move toward digital learning is a step in the right direction, capable of reshaping Nigeria’s education landscape and making it globally competitive.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Nigerian Education
As the Federal Government sets its sights on 2027, the elimination of chalkboards from Nigerian classrooms is more than just a technological upgrade—it represents a cultural and educational shift toward innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.
If fully implemented, this policy could redefine how millions of Nigerian children learn, interact, and develop skills for the future. It could also mark the beginning of a truly digital generation, where education is not limited by chalk and board but expanded by screens, data, and boundless possibilities.
With proper funding, training, and collaboration, Nigeria’s dream of fully digitized classrooms may soon become a reality—ushering in a new era where the chalkboard becomes history, and smart boards light the path to a brighter educational future.
