The UBEC Digital Resource Centre organized a two-day meeting with SUBEB Directors responsible for overseeing Smart Schools in various operational states. The Smart School Initiative aims to integrate technology into basic education and enhance teaching and learning outcomes in Nigeria.

The meeting brought together SUBEB Directors from twenty-four States, including Adamawa, Anambra, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara, Kaduna and Zamfara States.

The meeting was convened to review the progress of the Smart School Programme at both the UBEC and SUBEB levels. Participants shared reports on academic achievements, technical developments, and structural improvements. The meeting aimed to identify challenges and create actionable solutions for the Smart School Programme’s sustainability. Additionally, it encouraged collaboration among SUBEB Directors to enhance implementation strategies while providing a platform for the phase three Directors to learn from previous phases and contribute to the evolution of the Smart School Programme.

The two-day meeting had distinct focus areas for each day, and presentations covered various aspects of the Smart School Programme, including academic progress, technical updates, and structural developments. Deliberations which highlighted the significant strides in blended learning, curriculum alignment, and teacher training were also made.

Group discussions were held where participants analyzed the main challenges faced by Smart Schools and proposed practical solutions. These discussions served as the foundation for developing a joint action plan to ensure the program’s sustainability.

The 2-day meeting highlighted the transformative potential of the Smart School initiative within the Nigerian education system. While significant achievements have been made, it is crucial to address current challenges for long-term success. Collaboration between UBEC, SUBEBs, and other stakeholders is essential to sustain progress and promote further innovation in the education sector.

The Universal Basic Education Commission hosted the 7^th edition of the International Association for Innovations in Educational Assessment (IAIIEA) at the Digital Resource Center, kado-Kuchi, Abuja.

The conference, themed “Transforming Learning and Assessment through the Application of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence,” brought together administrators, policymakers, professionals, examiners, teachers, and other relevant stakeholders. The goal was to foster international cohesion and development by sharing global knowledge and engaging in expert discussions.

Delivering the welcome address, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi noted that hosting the Conference is a collective commitment to enhancing the quality of education and embracing progressive change. He added that the conference is well-timed because it offers a significant opportunity to transform education in Nigeria.

Dr. Bobboyi emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges in the Nigerian education system and highlighted the need to leverage innovative assessment methods to improve learning outcomes. The Executive Secretary acknowledged that the shift towards innovative assessments, particularly those incorporating digital technologies, inclusivity, and adaptability, will enable a more equitable, data-driven approach to educational transformation.

The co-host and President of the IAIIEA Dr Akinyele Ariyo in his speech, expressed gratitude to UBEC for the opportunity. He underscored the importance of transforming learning through big data and artificial intelligence in today’s dynamic world. However, Dr Ariyo pointed out that the current challenge lies in how to effectively integrate this potential into the education system in real time.

The Universal Basic Education Commission held a three-day leadership training workshop for Vice Principals of UBE Model Smart Schools organized by the Digital Resource Center.

The workshop was designed to enhance leadership competencies, particularly emotional intelligence, mentoring, and coaching skills. The training is a capacity-building initiative that aligns with the Commission’s mission to equip school leaders with the skills necessary to foster excellence in school leadership and create an engaging learning environment. The activity trained the Vice Principals to develop a leadership mindset and acquire skills to understand and manage their emotions and others, communicate effectively, solve problems, and build a collaborative system.

The training featured interactive sessions, practical activities, and group work to ensure skills transfer and actionable outcomes. It also improved the Vice Principals’ capacity to provide mentorship and coach teachers in their respective schools.