By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, has taken another bold step toward reshaping Nigeria’s education landscape with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Smart School in Hadejia, Jigawa State, reinforcing the federal government’s push for technology-driven learning at the foundational level.

Commissioning the multi-million naira facility on Wednesday and formally handing it over to the Jigawa State Government, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, described the project as a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to reposition basic education as a catalyst for national development.

Equipped with ICT-enabled classrooms, modern laboratories, e-libraries, robotics and innovation hubs, as well as inclusive facilities for learners with special needs, the Hadejia Smart School represents a new standard in public basic education.

With its inauguration, the number of UBEC Smart Schools across the country has risen to 30, covering all states of the federation, with additional model schools spread across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory.

Dr. Garba explained that the Smart School Programme is a flagship reform initiative designed to transform teaching and learning through modern infrastructure, digital technology and innovative teaching methods.

 She said the programme reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of location or background, has access to quality, inclusive and future-ready education.

“The Smart School initiative was conceived to change the narrative of learning outcomes in public basic education,” she said, adding that the schools are designed to serve as benchmarks of excellence that states can replicate nationwide.

She noted that the Hadejia facility, classified as a State Model Smart School (Model II), caters for pre-primary, primary and junior secondary learners, including children with special needs.

The school boasts well-structured academic and administrative blocks, smart classrooms, science and introductory technology laboratories, vocational and robotics labs, health facilities, play areas, water and power infrastructure, all within a secure and learner-friendly environment.

Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Garba stressed that the programme places strong emphasis on quality teaching and effective school management.

 While staffing remains the responsibility of state governments, she assured that UBEC will continue to support capacity building through training, ICT skills development and professional guidance to ensure high standards of instruction.

She expressed appreciation to the Ministers of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa and Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, for their leadership and support in driving the smart education agenda, as well as to the Jigawa State Government for its strong partnership.

Commending Governor Malam Umar Namadi for his unwavering commitment to basic education, Dr. Garba said the provision of land, security and effective coordination by the state government demonstrated a clear resolve to improve learning outcomes and expand access to quality education.

She added that the commissioning of the Smart School marks the beginning of a new phase rather than the end of the journey, calling on all stakeholders to ensure proper utilisation, maintenance and sustainability of the facility.

“The UBEC Smart School in Hadejia stands as a symbol of innovation, hope and progress,” she said.

“It reflects our collective commitment to equipping the Nigerian child with the skills, creativity and values needed to thrive in the 21st century.”