By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

A new cadre of 100 Digital Champions has been tasked with leading a sweeping technological transformation across Nigeria’s basic education sector following their inauguration by the Universal Basic Education Commission ,UBEC, in Abuja on Monday.

The champions, drawn from UBEC headquarters and State Universal Basic Education Boards ,SUBEBs, are expected to serve as frontline drivers of innovation, helping the Commission accelerate its transition to a digitally enabled and data-driven institution.

The inauguration coincided with the unveiling of UBEC’s Digital Transformation and Change Management Roadmap, a strategic blueprint designed to modernise the Commission’s operations, strengthen service delivery and enhance support for schools and education stakeholders nationwide.

Speaking at the event, UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, described the Digital Champions as a critical force in the Commission’s quest to embrace technology and improve educational outcomes.

She said their role extends beyond the use of digital tools to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement across the organisation.

“The Digital Champions represent a strategic network of change agents drawn from our departments, units, zonal offices and state offices. You have been carefully selected because of your potential to influence, inspire and support others on this journey,” Garba said.

She urged them to champion the adoption of new technologies, assist colleagues in adapting to digital systems and help bridge knowledge gaps that could hinder the Commission’s transformation agenda.

According to her, UBEC’s digital roadmap seeks to build a future-ready institution capable of delivering services more efficiently while supporting states and schools to provide quality education to every Nigerian child.

Garba noted that the Commission has already deployed a range of digital platforms, including the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, the UBEC Hub Intranet and data-driven management systems aimed at improving communication, reducing bureaucracy and boosting productivity.

She also highlighted several technology-focused interventions being implemented in schools, including Digital Learning Centres, Model Smart Schools, Smart Classrooms and Smart Interactive Boards.

Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi, called on the Digital Champions to take ownership of the initiative and contribute meaningfully to the Commission’s digitisation efforts.

He said technology would play an increasingly important role in improving learning processes, administrative efficiency and educational service delivery across the country.

Also speaking, Director of Digital Platforms and Analytics, Yau Garba, described the champions as key players in overcoming resistance to change and ensuring the successful implementation of UBEC’s digital agenda.

“The world has gone digital,” he said, stressing that embracing technology is no longer optional but necessary for institutions seeking to remain effective and relevant.

He disclosed that UBEC is introducing innovations such as electronic document management systems, virtual collaboration platforms and artificial intelligence-powered tools to simplify workflows and enhance efficiency.

As part of the programme, digital devices were presented to the newly inaugurated champions, while the Commission announced plans to deepen staff training and capacity-building efforts to ensure widespread adoption of emerging technologies.

The event also saw the presentation of an Award of Excellence to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, in recognition of her leadership in driving digital transformation within Nigeria’s basic education system.

With the inauguration of the Digital Champions, UBEC is positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to harness technology as a catalyst for improved governance, enhanced service delivery and better learning outcomes for millions of Nigerian pupils.