Nigeria builds National Education Cloud to transform learning — Dr. Abubakar Isah

National Coordinator of the National Educational Digital Infrastructure (NEDI) and member of the National EdTech Strategy Task Force, Dr. Abubakar Isah, says Nigeria is building its own national education cloud, digital backbone, and connectivity system to transform teaching and learning across the country.

Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Friday, Dr. Isah revealed that the country’s first National Education Technology Strategy is structured around access, quality, equity, innovation, and skills for the digital economy. The roadmap, he said, will modernise classrooms, expand digital access, and ensure that no learner is left behind.

Building Nigeria’s Own Digital Backbone for Education

Addressing concerns about limited connectivity and high data costs, Dr. Isah explained that the government is developing its own internet exchange point and cloud infrastructure exclusively for the education sector.

“The ministry is building its own internet exchange point. We’re going to build our own cloud infrastructure that will support the entire educational ecosystem,” he stated.

Once completed, mobile network operators will offer zero-rated access, drastically reducing the cost of learning online.

He added that over 70% of schools in Nigeria already fall within areas covered by at least 2G networks, providing basic internet accessibility. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communications is constructing 4,000 additional telecom towers to deepen nationwide coverage.

Reviving NG-REN to Link All Tertiary Institutions

The strategy also includes the revival of the Nigerian Education Research and Education Network (NG-REN), a digital system that links universities and research institutions nationwide.

“If I’m a student in ABU and I find myself in UNI, once I log in, I should have access to the same network and the same resources,” he explained.

Teacher Development at the Core

Dr. Isah stressed that technology will enhance — not replace — teachers.

A new government teacher-training portal will launch in January. Teachers with a TRCN number can access digital courses, join subject-based communities of practice, and develop essential EdTech skills.

Ensuring that teachers have access to digital devices is also “a major focus,” he added.

Reaching Nigeria’s Out-of-School Children

The strategy prioritises Nigeria’s over one million mapped out-of-school children. Through a technology-driven system, the government can see:

where each child lives,

their nearest school, and

whether they eventually attend.

For older children who have never been in school, the policy will provide alternative education pathways, including trade skills combined with basic literacy.

Funding and Implementation

Dr. Isah insisted that funding will not be a barrier.

“The federal government is funding a lot. Really, there is enough funds to do this,” he said.

The major challenge, he noted, will be adapting to a fully digital system.

A National Learner Identity for Every Child

The Ministry of Education has a real-time dashboard showing every registered school in the country. By the first quarter of next year, every child will receive a national learner identity, enabling seamless tracking and planning.

Dr. Isah concluded that the reforms mark a major shift in Nigeria’s education sector:

“We’re building a complete system. There will be challenges, but we are confident we will get it done.”