Tijani: Nigeria is investing strategically in digital backbone

Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, recently spoke at the 2024 Mastercard Edtech Conference, shedding light on the country's strategic investment in its digital backbone. Tijani emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to support innovations for teachers and learners, highlighting the transformative potential of this approach in advancing education across Nigeria and the African continent. With a focus on enhancing educational quality and relevance in the digital age, Tijani outlined key initiatives and collaborations aimed at accelerating education technology and bridging the digital divide. The Minister's insights reflect a holistic vision for inclusive and technology-driven education in Nigeria, underscoring the pivotal role of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of learning. In his address, Tijani underscored the evolving landscape of education, noting the paradigm shift towards prioritizing not just access to education, but also its quality and relevance. As the demands of the digital economy reshape the skills required in the workforce, governments are tasked with equipping learners with the necessary digital competencies to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Tijani highlighted Nigeria's strategic focus on investing in its digital backbone as a catalyst for fostering innovation, supporting teachers in enhancing learning experiences, and expanding access to educational content for all learners. Key points from Tijani's remarks include the following: 1. Strategic Investment in Digital Backbone: Nigeria's commitment to expanding its digital infrastructure, such as the deployment of the 5RT cable spanning 90,000 kilometers, reflects a proactive approach to ensuring widespread access to quality internet across the country. By prioritizing connectivity in underserved areas and promoting affordable device access, Nigeria aims to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem that empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds. 2. Collaboration and Innovation in Education Technology: Tijani emphasized the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and edtech startups, in driving forward education technology initiatives. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of these entities, Nigeria seeks to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative solutions that enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for the digital workforce. 3. Reimagining Education through Technology: The intersection of education and technology presents a unique opportunity to reimagine traditional learning paradigms and embrace new approaches that cater to the needs of a digital era. Tijani emphasized the need for continuous innovation and adaptation in education, highlighting the role of technology in transforming educational delivery and expanding learning opportunities for learners both in and out of school. In a poignant reflection on the challenges and opportunities ahead, Tijani encapsulated the essence of Nigeria's digital education strategy: "It's an opportunity, but it's a blessing on one hand. It's a challenge on the other hand. But we're seeing nations that are extremely strategic, and Nigeria is also going this path as well, now investing carefully and strategically in the digital backbone." The Minister's vision for a digitally empowered education landscape underscores the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future of learning and preparing individuals for success in a digital-driven economy. As Nigeria charts a course towards a more inclusive and innovative education ecosystem, Tijani's call for collaborative action and strategic investment in digital infrastructure resonates as a blueprint for driving sustainable progress and advancement in education. By harnessing the power of technology to enhance teaching, learning, and access to educational resources, Nigeria stands poised to unlock new pathways for educational excellence and empower a generation of digitally fluent learners poised for success in an increasingly interconnected world.