The Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, has unveiled its Digital Transformation and Change Management Roadmap and inaugurated 100 Digital Champions to drive technology adoption and innovation across Nigeria’s basic education sector.
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, while speaking at the launch and training programme for the Digital Champions on Monday in Abuja, described the initiative as a landmark step towards building a modern, data-driven and future-ready institution capable of delivering quality education services more efficiently.
The 100 Digital Champions were drawn from the headquarters of UBEC and States Universal Basic Education Boards, SUBEBS.
Garba said the Commission’s digital transformation agenda is designed to leverage innovation and technology to improve operational efficiency, strengthen collaboration, enhance decision-making through data, and support states and schools in providing quality basic education to every Nigerian child.
“Today is a significant day in the history of the Universal Basic Education Commission. We are gathered not merely to launch a roadmap or inaugurate a team; we are here to reaffirm our commitment to shaping the future of education through innovation, technology, and purposeful leadership,” she said.
According to her, the roadmap provides a strategic framework for modernising the Commission’s operations, stakeholder engagement processes, and support systems for the education sector.
She noted that digital transformation extends beyond technology deployment and is fundamentally about people, innovation, improved processes and a culture that embraces change.
“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 quality basic education to every Nigerian child,” Garba stated.
The Executive Secretary disclosed that UBEC has already begun deploying modern digital tools and platforms, including the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, the UBEC Hub Intranet, digital communication channels and data-driven management systems aimed at reducing administrative bottlenecks, improving information flow and enhancing staff productivity.
She further highlighted ongoing initiatives targeted at transforming teaching and learning nationwide, including the establishment of Digital Learning Centres, expansion of Model Smart Schools, deployment of Smart Interactive Boards and Smart Classrooms, as well as strengthening education data systems through partnerships with local and international organisations.
Garba explained that the newly inaugurated Digital Champions were carefully selected from UBEC departments, units, zonal offices and state offices to serve as change agents and promote the adoption of digital tools and innovative work processes throughout the Commission.
“The Digital Champions represent a strategic network of change agents drawn from our departments, units, zonal offices and state offices. You have been carefully selected because of your potential to influence, inspire and support others on this journey,” she said.
She charged the champions to become advocates of innovation, ambassadors of change and catalysts for continuous improvement by helping colleagues adapt to new technologies, identify opportunities for innovation and bridge knowledge gaps.
In his remarks, Deputy Executive Secretary, Technical, Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi, urged the Digital Champions to take their responsibilities seriously and support efforts to digitise the Commission’s operations.
He said the champions have a critical role to play in helping UBEC and State Universal Basic Education Boards, SUBEBs, utilise technology to improve learning processes and service delivery.
Also speaking, Director of Digital Platforms and Analytics, Yau Garba, described the inauguration as a critical milestone in the Commission’s transformation journey.
Garba said UBEC’s digital agenda aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is aimed at improving both internal operations and educational outcomes across the country.
“The world is going digital. Or maybe I would rather say the world has gone digital,” he remarked.
He identified resistance to change as one of the major obstacles to digital transformation, stressing that the Digital Champions would play a key role in leading the transition and encouraging staff to embrace technology-driven solutions.
Garba noted that innovations such as electronic document management systems, virtual collaboration platforms and artificial intelligence would simplify work processes, enhance efficiency and improve productivity across the Commission.
He further disclosed that UBEC has commenced the distribution of laptops to staff and would intensify capacity-building programmes to ensure effective adoption and utilisation of digital technologies.
The event witnessed the presentation of digital devices to the newly inaugurated Digital Champions and an Award of Excellence to the Executive Secretary in recognition of her leadership in advancing digital transformation within Nigeria’s basic education sector.
