The Government of South Korea has successfully completed the first phase of its Smart Education Project in Nigeria, benefiting six states with modern digital learning infrastructure, teacher training, and locally developed educational content. The project, implemented by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), targeted schools in Kano, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Cross River, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The closing ceremony of the project in Abuja marked not just the end of a project but the celebration of a transformational journey that has redefined basic education in Nigeria through technology, innovative teaching, and inclusive learning. UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, highlighted the project’s achievements, including the development of Nigeria’s first Smart Education Master Plan, training of over 300 teachers and school leaders, establishment of six world-class content development studios, and creation of nearly 4,000 digital learning resources in Mathematics and Science.
Garba noted that when the initiative began in 2021, Nigeria faced significant challenges, including over 10.1 million out-of-school children, 70% of enrolled pupils lacking foundational skills, and more than 60% of public primary school teachers without basic digital literacy. However, these statistics were seen as opportunities to bridge the digital divide and empower teachers and schools to drive lasting change.
The project’s impact extends beyond the six model smart schools, with KOICA’s direct intervention indirectly benefiting over 8,000 learners across 21 states. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, praised the partnership between Nigeria and South Korea, describing it as respectful, mutually supportive, and committed to development. He expressed optimism that the project could serve as a proof of concept for scaling technology-based learning in more schools nationwide.
The project uses a blended learning approach, shifting classrooms from teacher-centered to student-centered learning. Country Director of KOICA, Eunsub Kim, noted that while the national curriculum remains the same, teaching methods and delivery are reimagined to boost learner engagement and outcomes. Comparative assessments show that students from smart schools outperform those from conventional public schools in mathematics and basic science.
Project Manager of the Project Management Consulting company, UBION Consortium, Professor Dae Joon Hwang, emphasized the importance of sustainability, calling for greater parental and community involvement. He assured that the second phase, expected to expand the model to 37 smart schools nationwide, will begin soon. The initiative has digitally transformed basic education, covering pupils from Early Childhood Care and Development Education (ECCDE) to Junior Secondary School.
Each pilot school received a state-of-the-art content development studio where trained teachers produce indigenous digital educational content, including animated basic science and mathematics content, uploaded to a learning management system for classroom use. This has enabled pupils to learn with interactive, engaging materials, moving beyond traditional chalkboard-based learning.
