The Federal Government has set aside N50 billion in the 2025 Appropriation Bill to support online learning for secondary schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.
This, it was gathered, was part of efforts to boost digital and vocational education.
The 2025 budget proposal showed that they are both new projects to be executed by the Federal Ministry of Education under the Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP).
Specifically, while TVET would gulp N40billion, online classes for secondary schools would cost N10billion.
Nigeria has a staggering number of secondary schools, with over 66,000 institutions across the country.
Although details of the virtual classes are sketchy, it remains to be seen how the ambitious programme would be implemented, as data obtained from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) revealed that there are over 38,000 public and private junior secondary schools in the country.
Also, according to the National Senior Secondary Schools Education Commission (NSSEC), there are over 28,000 senior secondary schools, with private schools constituting 70 per cent.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread lockdowns and disruptions to global activities, sparking a significant shift towards virtual learning and making online classes a mainstream phenomenon.
The prolonged lockdown in Nigeria, which lasted over three months, prompted several prominent schools to transition to online learning, enabling their students to continue their education remotely.
Speaking last month, Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced a reform in Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system to prioritize practical learning, with 80 per cent of the curriculum now dedicated to hands-on training and only 20 per cent to theoretical learning
Dr Alausa outlined a decisive plan to overhaul the structure of TVET from theory-based learning to a more practical approach.
“The way technical education has been structured is not the best because we focus heavily on didactics.
“We are now clearly changing the TVET structure from didactics to skill acquisition, we will now do 20 per cent didactics and 80 per cent practical, and that’s how we are going to move forward,” he stated.
In an interview with The Guardian, the President, Association of Mass Communication Students (AMASCOS), 2008 Set, Delta State University, Abraka, Asher Daronwa, lauded the initiative, arguing that it will revolutionize the education sector in Nigeria.
The President noted that the programme has the potential to transform the education sector, increase access to quality education and prepare our students for success in the digital age.
“With the current shortage of qualified teachers, high cost of transportation and inadequate infrastructure in many schools, online classes will help bridge the gap. Students from rural areas, disadvantaged communities, and those with physical disabilities will have equal opportunities to learn from the best teachers and resources available,” Daronwa said.
“Moreover, online classes will provide a flexible and personalized learning experience for students. With the ability to access course materials and lessons at their own pace, students can learn more effectively and efficiently. This will also enable teachers to focus on providing individualized attention and support to students who need it most.
“It is also worth noting that online classes will reduce the burden on our physical infrastructure. With the growing population of students, many schools are struggling to provide adequate facilities and resources. Online classes will help alleviate this pressure, allowing schools to focus on providing quality education rather than struggling to accommodate large numbers of students.”
