On February 1st, 2024, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and NewGlobe embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration during a workshop held at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre
NewGlobe, known for its success in large scale transformational programs across the country, presented a comprehensive overview of its methodology during the workshop.
NewGlobe programs such as EdoBEST, EKOEXCEL, KwaraLEARN, and BayelsaPRIME have demonstrated significant improvements in foundational learning gains and literacy levels. Pupils in participating states are achieving educational milestones comparable to those in middle-income countries, showcasing the transformative impact of NewGlobe’s interventions.
In response, UBEC showcased its Smart Education Program, encompassing various digital innovations, including E-Learning Centers, UBEC Model Smart Schools, and the Digital Resource Center. The initiative aims to enhance public basic education, with plans to establish model UBE Smart Schools nationwide. The first phase has already seen the construction of 37 smart schools, and future phases aim to expand this number to 109 and eventually 774, setting a new standard for public education.
The workshop identified collaborative opportunities between UBEC and NewGlobe, focusing on bridging foundational learning gaps, connecting stakeholders in the education ecosystem, and establishing a partnership in existing NewGlobe states. Potential partnership includes technical collaboration on curriculum development, ongoing teacher coaching, and technology support.
The partnership aims to accelerate foundational learning and digital literacy for both students and teachers, addressing the challenges of poor foundational literacy skills and weak learning outcomes. The collaborative effort seeks to bring together government bodies, development organizations, private foundations, and EdTech companies to eradicate learning poverty and reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Leading the UBEC delegation was Prof. Bala Zakari Deputy, Executive Secretary joined by others including Mr. U.Y Ismaila Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary, Prof. Bashir Galadanci National Coordinator, UBEC DRC, Mr. Aleshin O.T Director, Department of Teacher Development, Prof. Muhammed Ibn Junaid Former Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Dr Hafsat Lawal Kontagora Head, Capacity Development, Mr. Osahon Igbinoba Director, Dept of Planning, Research & Statistics, Mr. Alabi Baba Asaju Acting Director, Quality Assurance Department, Julius Adedoja Monitoring & Evaluation Department, Dr. Ibrahim Bala Head IT, DRC, Mohammed Mahmoud UBEC DRC, Idris Oladipo UBEC DRC and Prof. Joy Eyisi.
As a capstone to the workshop, UBEC and NewGlobe are set to work together towards formalizing the partnership for the benefit of education in Nigeria. The partnership between UBEC and NewGlobe holds immense promise, heralding a new era in the advancement of education in Nigeria.The partnership will mark a significant step towards revitalizing the education sector in Nigeria. By working together on teacher training, curriculum enhancement, and technology integration, the collaboration aims to provide Nigerian children with enriching and contemporary learning experience. Through collective efforts, UBEC and NewGlobe are poised to contribute to the development of a well-rounded and globally competitive generation of students, laying the foundation for a brighter future for Nigeria.
