FG Revives 16 Unity College E-Libraries

The Federal Government has revived 16 abandoned electronic library projects in Federal Unity Colleges across the country, marking a major step in its plan to strengthen digital education and improve learning opportunities for students.

The announcement was made on Monday during the commissioning of a newly upgraded digital learning centre at Federal Government College, Kano. The project forms part of the administration’s broader education reform programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with modern technological skills and improving access to quality education.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who led the inspection team alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, said the restoration of the long-abandoned facilities demonstrates the government’s commitment to repositioning public schools through digital infrastructure.

According to the minister, the administration inherited dozens of unfinished and poorly executed e-library projects spread across federal colleges. Through interventions coordinated by the Universal Basic Education Commission, 16 of those projects have now been rehabilitated and completed.

Speaking at the event, Alausa described the development as a critical milestone in preparing Nigerian students for an increasingly digital world.

“This upgraded digital e-library is another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to prepare Nigerian students for a digital future. It provides our students with a world-class environment where they can acquire the digital literacy and critical thinking skills required to compete in today’s knowledge economy,” the minister said.

The newly commissioned centre in Kano features nearly 80 computer workstations and is supported by solar power, modern lighting systems and air-conditioning facilities designed to create a conducive environment for learning, research and innovation. Government officials believe such investments will help bridge the digital divide in the education sector.

Alausa stressed that the government’s focus goes beyond constructing buildings, noting that the aim is to create opportunities that will allow students to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

“With solar power, modern computer workstations, air conditioning and reliable digital infrastructure, this facility will serve as a hub for innovation, research and learning. We are investing not just in buildings but in the future of our children,” he stated.

The minister disclosed that the current administration inherited 36 abandoned e-library projects in Unity Colleges nationwide. Out of those, 16 have already been completed, while efforts are continuing to rehabilitate the remaining facilities.

He reiterated that digital learning has become essential in modern education and pledged that the government would continue investing in technology-enabled teaching methods.

“Digital learning is no longer optional; it is essential. Every Nigerian child, irrespective of where he or she lives, deserves access to technology-enabled education that prepares them for the future,” Alausa said.

During his visit to Kano, the minister also interacted with students and teachers at Federal Government College. He expressed satisfaction with the confidence and communication skills displayed by the students, describing them as evidence of ongoing efforts to strengthen human capital development in the country.

The inspection tour extended to the Bilingual School in Ungogo, where Alausa noted that construction work had reached about 90 per cent completion. He directed relevant officials to begin preparations for staffing and operations ahead of the school’s expected opening in September.

The minister further revealed that another bilingual school is expected to commence academic activities at the start of the 2026/2027 academic session, while plans are underway for a fourth institution scheduled to open in 2027.

According to him, the bilingual school initiative represents one of the government’s major strategies for addressing the challenge of out-of-school children, particularly among vulnerable groups. The programme seeks to integrate Almajiri children and others who are outside the formal education system into mainstream learning while providing them with essential skills.

“The bilingual school initiative is one of the Federal Government’s most impactful responses to the challenge of out-of-school children,” Alausa stated.

He added that the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative has helped return more than one million out-of-school children to classrooms within the last two years.

“Beyond bringing children back to school, we are focused on ensuring they remain in school through improved teaching, better learning environments and sustained support that will translate into stronger learning outcomes,” the minister added.

Education experts have increasingly highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure in schools, arguing that modern libraries and technology centres can improve research, strengthen literacy and prepare students for future careers. The Federal Government’s latest intervention is expected to support these goals by expanding access to digital resources across Unity Colleges nationwide.

The commissioning of the Kano digital hub is part of ongoing reforms under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which prioritises reducing learning poverty, improving teacher quality and modernising public schools through strategic investments and partnerships.