The federal government has unveiled plans to upgrade educational Infrastructure across the country, with a target of reconstructing 195,000 classrooms by 2027. Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, outlined these initiatives at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, highlighting efforts to address gaps in the sector. In addition to classroom renovations, the government intends to install 28,000 toilets and 22,900 Boreholes in schools nationwide, while also distributing 103 million textbooks to improve learning resources. Plans also include the Construction of approximately 7,000 classrooms to further expand access to education.
Alausa also highlighted the government’s focus on vocational and technical education, which he described as a critical component of national development. He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved ₦120 billion as a startup fund for students’ entrepreneurial training, ensuring that learners receive both theoretical and practical knowledge. Under the proposed dual-mode training system, students will spend three days in school, one day in large-scale technical training, and another in a workshop setting. The initiative is expected to equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in various trades and industries.
Government allocates ₦40 billion to revive national library project.
Moreover, the minister addressed the long-abandoned National Library Project, announcing that the government had allocated ₦40 billion to revive construction efforts. The project, which has faced years of delays, is expected to strengthen academic research and provide essential resources for students and scholars. Alausa also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating 10 million out-of-school children into the Education system, stating that targeted programs would be developed to address socio-economic and cultural barriers to learning. He noted that these interventions were part of a structured approach to making education more accessible and inclusive.
In a bid to modernise learning, the ministry is also incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the education system. Alausa explained that AI-powered platforms would provide insights into tertiary institutions and admissions while supporting personalised learning. However, he assured that AI would not replace educators but rather complement their role in shaping young minds. Other planned AI applications include smart content creation, virtual and augmented reality, gamification, and predictive analytics, which could transform how students engage with academic materials.
Concerns over funding and implementation persist.
Despite these ambitious plans, concerns remain about funding and execution, given the scale of the proposed projects. The government’s ability to mobilise resources and ensure transparent implementation will determine the success of these initiatives. Many schools across the country still lack basic amenities, raising questions about whether the new projects will be sustained or if they will add to the list of abandoned initiatives. The effectiveness of the Vocational Training scheme will also depend on industry partnerships and whether trained students can secure opportunities in the labour market.
Another challenge is the integration of out-of-school children, many of whom face economic and cultural barriers to education. While the government’s intervention is commendable, bridging this gap will require a multifaceted approach involving community engagement, policy enforcement, and sustained investment. Without addressing the root causes of school dropouts, such as Poverty and child labour, the goal of enrolling 10 million children may be difficult to achieve. The government must also work closely with local communities and traditional institutions to change perceptions about formal education and encourage sustained school attendance. Additionally, providing financial incentives, such as school feeding programs or scholarships, may help ease the economic burden on struggling families and increase enrolment rates.
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While the government’s plans signal a strong commitment to improving education in Nigeria, their success will depend on careful execution, sustained funding, and effective policy implementation. Infrastructure upgrades, vocational training, and AI-driven learning could reshape the sector, but without addressing persistent challenges such as poverty, inadequate resources, and cultural resistance to schooling, the impact may be limited. To truly transform education, reforms must be holistic, ensuring that every Nigerian child, regardless of background, has access to quality learning opportunities.