UBEC develops E-learning software for basic education

By Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja

In order to reverse the ugly trend and reposition the basic education sub sector for improved performance in the country, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has commenced development of e-learning software for use at the basic education level in Nigeria.

In a statement, UBEC Head Public Relations, Protocol, David Apeh noted that the e-learning software help integrate modern learning approaches into basic education delivery and also ensure that the system is abreast of global best practices.

While stressing that the initiatives will provide ample opportunities for learners, Apeh stated that the foundational activities under e-learning intervention would culminate in the adoption and utilization of essential ICT platforms for enhancing teaching in public basic education institutions.

The statement disclosed that already, the commission has initiated key intervention programmes such as; ‘’the Effective School programme(ESP); The Open Schooling Programme(OSP); The UBE Model Schools; and the E- learning programme with a view to ensuring equitable access to basic education opportunities for all school age learners and also improving quality’’.

While UBEC believes that the interventions will add value and improve teaching and learning in our schools, it added that the Effective school programme (ESP) is being instituted to ensure that the right infrastructure, process and stakeholder commitment are deployed towards enhancing teaching and learning in our schools.

The statement read; ‘’Over time standards and quality have been among the key challenges of basic education sub sector.

‘’Thus, the main goal of ESP is to institutionalize basic practices that conform to the minimum standards that can produce graduates with effective life skills and who can function and compete favorably in the 21st century knowledge economy.

‘’The over-arching objective of the ESP is therefore to produce graduands who possess critical thinking, self-reliance skills as well as the ability to innovate and create a better future for themselves and the larger Nigerian society.

‘’The Effective School Programme seeks to implement the prescribed minimum standard in selected schools in each state and the FCT over a three-year pilot phase.

‘’In the first year each state and the FCT will identify schools to be supported by UBEC in applying the minimum standard in all component of basic education.

‘’It is envisaged that this pilot phase will provide sufficient learning on the proposed intervention and also inform further efforts in programme implementation.

After the first year, additional numbers of schools will be added in the subsequent two (2) years to demonstrate UBEC and SUBEBs resolve and capacity for scaling up and sustaining the intervention as the case may be.

‘’At the end of the three-year pilot phase, if the stated objectives are attained in the few schools selected, UBEC will make a strong case for the domestication and replication of these effort across all schools with the hope to attaining 100% improvement of learning infrastructure, processes and outcomes by year 2026’’.

It added that the overall goal is to provide educational opportunities for children and youth whose learning needs are not being met by conventional schools.