The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, has said that digital technology would play “a crucial role” in transforming Nigeria’s education system in the 21st century.
He made the statement at the opening session of the 68th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre in Abuja.
While welcoming delegates from the 36 states of the Federation to the meeting, Sani-Gwarzo said: “The 21st century demands an education system that equips students with skills to navigate the digital landscape.
“Our education system must evolve to provide students with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive global economy.”
Sani-Gwarzo highlighted the potential of digital classrooms to enhance teaching and learning, particularly in meeting the needs of all students and reducing teacher workload.
The Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Boriowo Folasade, said, “This pivotal gathering unites key stakeholders from across Nigeria to discuss the future of education in the 21st century.”
The meeting focused on the theme, “Innovation, Digital Technology, and Entrepreneurship: Tools for Educational and National Development in the 21st Century.”
Key highlights of the meeting included leveraging digital technology for educational development, fostering a skills-based curriculum, enhancing teacher capacity and professionalism, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, and examining recommendations from the Joint Consultative Committee on Education (JCCE) Plenary.
The goal is to develop actionable policies to shape Nigeria’s education, particularly in areas such as digital classrooms, special education needs and cultivating self-reliant, entrepreneurial citizens.
In her vote of thanks, Mrs. Aigbogu O.J., Director of Education Planning, Research, and Development, expressed gratitude to the delegates and stakeholders for their commitment.
“Together, we will propel Nigeria’s education system into the 21st century,” she said, acknowledging the collective effort that made the event a success.