Abuja: The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has inaugurated a network of 100 digital champions to deepen technology adoption, improve service delivery, and strengthen basic education administration across the country. Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, described the initiative as a major step toward building a digitally enabled, data-driven, and future-ready Commission.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Garba highlighted the rapid technological changes globally, emphasizing the necessity for UBEC to lead innovation to effectively fulfill its mandate. She noted that digital technologies are reshaping governance, education, and service delivery worldwide, making it crucial for the Commission to integrate modern tools and processes.
‘Our aspiration is clear: to build a digitally enabled, data-driven, and future-ready Commission that delivers services more efficiently, collaborates more effectively, and supports states and schools in providing qual
ity basic education to every Nigerian child,’ Garba remarked. She asserted that digital transformation transcends beyond computers or internet connectivity, focusing fundamentally on people, mindset change, innovation, and process improvement.
The executive secretary outlined UBEC’s ongoing deployment of digital tools and platforms to enhance communication, collaboration, productivity, and knowledge sharing among staff. Key initiatives underway include the rollout of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, establishment of the UBEC Hub Intranet, adoption of digital communication channels, and implementation of data-driven management practices.
Garba mentioned UBEC’s implementation of initiatives such as Digital Learning Centres, Model Smart Schools, Smart Classrooms, and strengthened education data systems, while fostering strategic partnerships to advance technology-driven basic education. These interventions aim to improve learning outcomes and equip learners with essential digital skills and competencies for the 21
st century.
The newly inaugurated digital champions are expected to serve as change agents, promoting innovation, supporting colleagues in adapting to new technologies, and encouraging digital solution adoption across the Commission. ‘Your role extends beyond the use of technology. You are expected to become advocates of innovation, ambassadors of change, and catalysts for continuous improvement,’ she stated.
The executive secretary urged staff to view digital transformation as a collective responsibility. Meanwhile, the Director of Data, Digital Platforms and Analytics (DDPA), UBEC, Yau Garba, emphasized the necessity of digital champions for effective implementation of the Commission’s digital agenda, noting the transformation of sectors like banking, finance, healthcare, and education through technology.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by resistance to change, advocating for continuous engagement and capacity building. ‘Everybody is a digital champion in the Commission, but we need representatives
who will help us lead and sustain this change,’ he added, citing examples of current digital tools enhancing operational efficiency.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Garba by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), UBEC, Mr. Olajuwon Akinyemi, recognizing her leadership in driving digital transformation. The event also featured the launch of the Digital Transformation and Change Management Roadmap to enhance service delivery and support quality education nationwide, attended by management staff, directors, state and zonal officials, and selected digital champions from various departments and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs).