The Federal Government has handed over Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment to 15 Federal and State Colleges of Education across the six geopolitical zones of the country as part of efforts to strengthen teacher training, improve digital literacy and expand access to quality education for girls.
Items distributed to the institutions include 65 laptop computers with carrying cases, 71 tablets, four desktop computers, five interactive smart boards, 19 all-in-one desktop computers, 14 projectors, 15 printers and 15 backup hard drives
Speaking at the official handover ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said the intervention, supported by the Government of Japan through the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa, was designed to equip teacher-training institutions with modern digital tools to enhance learning outcomes.
The initiative was being implemented under the project titled “Capacity-building of Teachers to Promote Continuous and Inclusive Access to Safe and Quality Education for Girls in West Africa,” which covers six countries, including Nigeria.
According to the minister, the intervention aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education‘s priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, equity and inclusive education.
She said, “Teachers remain the backbone of every education system. No education reform can succeed without well-trained, motivated and digitally empowered teachers.”
Ahmad noted that the ICT facilities would strengthen both pre-service and in-service teacher education by improving access to digital learning resources and promoting innovative teaching methods.
“These resources will significantly enhance both pre-service and in-service teacher training by improving access to digital learning content, promoting pedagogical innovation, and supporting more engaging, inclusive and learner-centred teaching approaches.”
She added that the equipment would contribute significantly to the development of digitally competent teachers capable of meeting the demands of a technology-driven education system.
“The fact remains that the equipment will enhance digital literacy among our pre-service teachers in the colleges and boost the attainment of education goals in Nigeria.”
Ahmad also disclosed that the handover ceremony would be followed by training sessions on safe school learning environments, infrastructure security and the use of ICT for inclusive and gender-responsive teaching.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to improving teacher quality, expanding digital literacy and strengthening institutional capacity through strategic partnerships.
“Safe schools are essential to achieving quality education, especially for girls and vulnerable learners. We must continue to ensure that our institutions remain secure, supportive and conducive spaces for teaching and learning.”
The minister commended UNESCO-IICBA, the Government of Japan, the African Union and other partners for supporting teacher education development in Nigeria and across West Africa.
She urged beneficiary institutions to make judicious use of the facilities to improve teacher preparation and learning outcomes nationwide.
Earlier, the Director of the Colleges of Education Department and Project Chairperson, Dr Uchenna Uba, described the initiative as a collaborative effort aimed at improving teacher education and expanding access to quality learning opportunities.
“Today’s ceremony reflects a collective commitment to strengthening teacher education, fostering innovation in teaching and learning, and ensuring equal access to quality education for all, especially girls.”
Uba noted that the provision of digital resources would improve access to educational materials, enhance classroom instruction and build teachers’ digital skills.
“Every economy in the 21st century demands innovation, digitalisation, and technology-driven teaching approaches. The deployment of laptops, tablets, desktop computers, smart boards, projectors, printers and other digital resources to these institutions will undoubtedly enhance the teaching and learning process.”
Also speaking, the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan, Mr Hitoshi Kozaki, expressed satisfaction with the growing partnership between Nigeria and Japan in the education sector and other areas of development.
He expressed confidence that the donated equipment would significantly enhance teacher education and improve learning outcomes.
Similarly, the Director of UNESCO-IICBA, Dr Quentin Wodon, praised the intervention, saying it would contribute meaningfully to the transformation of teacher education, particularly in advancing girl-child education.
The beneficiary institutions are Federal College of Education, Kontagora; Federal College of Education, Zaria; Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe; Federal College of Education, Yola and Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze; College of Education, Zuba; Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education; Enugu State College of Education (Technical).
Others are Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano; Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu; Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto; Adamawa State College of Education, Hong; and Taraba State College of Education, Zing.
