FG Allocates N21 Billion for Online Learning, Fencing of 118 Unity Schools

The Federal Government has earmarked the sum of N21 billion for online learning for secondary schools and perimeter fencing of 118 Federal Unity Colleges across the country in 2026.

A breakdown of the amount contained in the 2026 budget indicated that while N14 billion was allocated to the perimeter fencing of schools, N7 billion was earmarked for online learning in public secondary schools.

The projects, tagged as ongoing, are being executed by the Federal Ministry of Education under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

The N7 billion proposed for online learning represents a 63.2 per cent reduction from the N10 billion allocated for the same purpose in the 2025 budget.

Specifically, the virtual proposal was tagged ‘Online Classroom Platform for Secondary Schools,’ while the other project was titled ‘Provision of Security Infrastructure in 118 Unity Colleges: Perimeter Fencing.’

Last year, the government launched a countrywide programme designed to expand equitable access to online learning.

The initiative targeted the persistent shortage of qualified teachers and the need to guarantee uninterrupted learning nationwide.

According to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, deploying technology to deliver live, interactive lessons directly to learners democratises access to quality education and ensures that no child is left behind, regardless of location or circumstance.

He disclosed that implementation would be expanded to cover all classes.

Data from the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) showed that Nigeria has more than 5.5 million students enrolled in public and private senior secondary schools, while information available on the website of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) indicated that over eight million pupils are attending junior secondary schools across the country.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, disclosed that the Federal Government has deployed an ‘Ignite,’ a teacher-centred digital platform that reduces workload while enhancing instructional quality.

He noted that the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also launched the Diaspora Bridge, connecting Nigerians with global experts to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) education because excellence knows no borders.

“To remove barriers to access, the Federal Ministry of Education has supported the provision of 60,000 tablets for teachers, and is working with telecom partners to fully implement a zero-data access plan, ensuring that teachers can access approved training platforms and digital resources without the burden of data costs.

“We have strengthened the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital platform to improve professional registration, tracking, and structured career development. Also, we have trained teacher educators nationwide, expanded digital learning platforms, and established Communities of Practice, fostering peer-led professional growth.

“We are also advancing the Accelerated Teacher Training Programme (ATTP), designed to fast-track professionalisation for in-service teachers, including clear pathways for those without education backgrounds and focused Professional Diploma in Education routes. This is about raising standards without raising barriers.

“To give long-term direction and stability to the profession, we have introduced the National Teacher Policy, providing clarity on teacher development, welfare, deployment, and professional standards, and ensuring coherence across reforms at all levels,” the minister stated.