FG Plans Internet Access Across All Nigerian Schools

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide plan to provide internet for Nigerian schools, a move aimed at expanding digital learning across the country.

Officials say the initiative will connect schools at every level to reliable internet services. The plan seeks to help students and teachers access digital learning tools and modern technology.

The announcement appeared in a statement from the Federal Ministry of Education. Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations, confirmed the development.

According to the ministry, the proposal emerged during a high-level meeting between the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

The initiative follows a directive from Bola Tinubu to expand digital infrastructure across major sectors, including education.

A push to expand internet for Nigerian schools

Officials believe reliable connectivity could reshape the learning experience across the country. Digital access would allow students to explore global resources and participate in modern learning systems.

Speaking on the initiative, Alausa said the government intends to build a coordinated structure that delivers internet for Nigerian schools at every level.

“The initiative will develop a coordinated framework to ensure connectivity across all levels of education, from foundational and secondary schools to universities and colleges,” he said.

The minister also noted that the programme builds on earlier efforts led by the Nigerian Research and Education Network.

That project expanded broadband access for universities under a World Bank-supported programme. However, progress slowed when funding ended. The new plan aims to revive and extend those efforts nationwide.

The government now intends to deploy about 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic broadband infrastructure. In addition, authorities plan to install 3,700 telecommunications towers, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Officials say these investments will help deliver reliable internet for Nigerian schools, even in communities with limited digital infrastructure.

Alausa explained that connectivity will rely on several technologies. Fibre networks will play a major role. However, towers, satellite systems and other digital infrastructure will also support the rollout.

Internet access could reshape learning

The government has already set up two technical working groups to guide implementation. One group will focus on universities and tertiary institutions. The other will focus on foundational and secondary schools.

In addition, the governing council of the Nigerian Research and Education Network will expand to include representatives from all education levels.

Officials believe this structure will strengthen coordination and speed up delivery.

Alausa expressed optimism about early progress. He said the first phase could begin producing visible results within three months.

The minister also noted that stronger connectivity would support emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in education.

Digital infrastructure could also help modernise examinations across the country. Authorities plan to gradually expand computer-based testing for national examinations.

Meanwhile, Tijani highlighted another challenge affecting connectivity. According to him, Nigeria already has strong international internet capacity.

However, the problem lies in distributing that capacity beyond coastal cities.

“Most of the internet capacity enters Nigeria through submarine cables landing in Lagos, but without sufficient inland fibre infrastructure, that capacity cannot effectively reach schools and communities across the country,” he said.

For policymakers, expanding the internet for Nigerian schools could become a major step toward building a more technology-driven education system across Nigeria.