The Federal Government has completed the rehabilitation of 16 previously abandoned digital e-library projects in Federal Unity Colleges and unveiled a modern digital hub at the Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, in a renewed push to strengthen technology-based education in public schools.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced this on Monday while commissioning the upgraded digital e-library during an inspection of major Federal Government education projects in Kano State. The development was contained in a statement issued by the ministry.
Accompanied by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, Alausa said the rehabilitation of the neglected facilities reflected the Tinubu administration’s determination to transform public education through improved digital infrastructure.
“This upgraded digital e-library is another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to prepare Nigerian students for a digital future.
It provides our students with a world-class environment where they can acquire the digital literacy and critical thinking skills required to compete in today’s knowledge economy,” the minister said.
The newly commissioned digital hub at FGC Kano features nearly 80 computer workstations alongside solar power, air conditioning, modern lighting and other digital facilities aimed at improving teaching, learning and research.
“With solar power, modern computer workstations, air conditioning and reliable digital infrastructure, this facility will serve as a hub for innovation, research and learning. We are investing not just in buildings but in the future of our children,” Alausa added.
The minister explained that the current administration inherited 36 abandoned or poorly executed digital e-library projects across Unity Colleges but has, through the intervention of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), successfully completed 16 of them.
“When we assumed office, we inherited 36 abandoned and poorly executed e-library projects across our Unity Colleges.
Through the intervention of the Universal Basic Education Commission, we have successfully revived and completed 16 of these facilities.
This demonstrates our resolve to modernise public schools and ensure Nigerian children have access to education that meets global standards,” he said.
Alausa emphasised that digital infrastructure remains a key pillar of the Federal Government’s education reforms.
“Digital learning is no longer optional; it is essential. Every Nigerian child, irrespective of where he or she lives, deserves access to technology-enabled education that prepares them for the future,” the minister said.
During his visit to FGC Kano, the minister met with students and expressed satisfaction with their confidence, communication skills and academic disposition.
He praised the school management and teachers, describing the students as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s human capital development agenda.
Addressing the proposed Public-Private Partnership land-swap initiative at the college, Alausa said the Federal Government would not abandon the policy.
He noted that making productive use of underutilised land would provide additional resources for classrooms, hostels and other essential infrastructure while protecting students’ interests.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that every policy translates into better opportunities for our students. We have no interest other than providing quality education and improved infrastructure for Nigerian children,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the government’s willingness to work with the college’s alumni and other stakeholders interested in supporting the institution’s development through similar partnerships.
Earlier, the minister inspected the Bilingual School in Ungogo, where he expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting that construction had reached about 90 per cent completion. He directed officials to begin recruiting teachers and make other necessary preparations ahead of the school’s planned September opening.
According to him, a third bilingual school will begin academic activities at the start of the 2026/2027 academic session, while a fourth is expected to commence operations by June 2027.
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Describing the bilingual school initiative as a major intervention in addressing Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, Alausa said it integrates Almajiri and other vulnerable children into formal education while equipping them with relevant knowledge, skills and values.
“The bilingual school initiative is one of the Federal Government’s most impactful responses to the challenge of out-of-school children,” he said.
The minister further disclosed that more than one million out-of-school children have returned to classrooms over the past 24 months through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
“Beyond bringing children back to school, we are focused on ensuring they remain in school through improved teaching, better learning environments and sustained support that will translate into stronger learning outcomes,” he added.
The commissioning of the FGC Kano Digital Hub forms part of the Federal Government’s wider education reform programme under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which is driving the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Education.
The initiative focuses on reducing learning poverty, addressing the out-of-school children challenge, expanding digital learning infrastructure, strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy, improving teacher quality, and upgrading public schools through strategic investments and partnerships.
In recent months, the Ministry of Education has intensified reforms across the sector, including nationwide learning assessments, the expansion of bilingual schools for Almajiri and other vulnerable children, the rehabilitation of Unity Colleges and the completion of abandoned digital e-library projects.
The reforms are aimed at equipping Nigerian students with 21st-century digital skills, improving learning outcomes and positioning the country’s education system to compete globally while supporting long-term economic growth through human capital development.