By Jumoke Olaitan
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has inaugurated a network of 100 digital champions to deepen technology adoption, improve service delivery and strengthen basic education administration across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration on Monday in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, described the initiative as a major step toward building a digitally enabled, data-driven and future-ready Commission.
Garba said the world was changing rapidly through technology, noting that UBEC must position itself at the forefront of innovation in order to effectively discharge its mandate.
According to her, digital technologies are transforming governance, education and service delivery globally, making it imperative for the Commission to embrace modern tools and processes.
“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.
“Digital transformation is not merely about computers, software or internet connectivity. It is fundamentally about people, changing mindsets, embracing innovation, improving processes and adopting new ways of working that enable us to achieve greater impact.”
The executive secretary noted that the Commission had already commenced the deployment of several digital tools and platforms aimed at improving communication, collaboration, productivity and knowledge sharing among staff.
She listed the rollout of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, establishment of the UBEC Hub Intranet, adoption of digital communication channels and implementation of data-driven management practices among key initiatives already underway.
Garba said UBEC was implementing initiatives such as Digital Learning Centres, Model Smart Schools, Smart Classrooms and strengthened education data systems, while fostering strategic partnerships to promote technology-driven basic education.
According to her, the interventions are designed to improve learning outcomes and equip learners with the digital skills and competencies required to thrive in the 21st century.
She said the newly inaugurated digital champions would serve as change agents responsible for promoting innovation, supporting colleagues in adapting to new technologies and encouraging the adoption of digital solutions across the Commission
“Your role extends beyond the use of technology. You are expected to become advocates of innovation, ambassadors of change and catalysts for continuous improvement,” she said.
The executive secretary urged members of staff to view digital transformation as a collective responsibility rather than the duty of a single department or the digital champions alone.
Also speaking, the Director, Data, Digital Platforms and Analytics (DDPA), UBEC, Yau Garba, said the inauguration of the digital champions was necessitated by the need to ensure effective implementation of the Commission’s digital agenda.
He said digitalisation had become unavoidable in modern governance and service delivery, noting that technology had transformed sectors such as banking, finance, healthcare and education worldwide.
According to him, while the benefits of digital transformation are enormous, resistance to change remains a major challenge that must be addressed through continuous engagement and capacity building.
“Everybody is a digital champion in the Commission, but we need representatives who will help us lead and sustain this change.
“These are our change agents who will help us implement this digital agenda so that at the end of the day we will achieve the goals we have set for ourselves,” he said.
The director said the Commission had already begun deploying digital tools to simplify workflows, improve communication and reduce administrative bottlenecks.
He cited the use of e-mails, digital collaboration platforms, document management systems and Microsoft Teams as examples of technologies already enhancing operational efficiency within the organisation.
He urged staff to maximise the use of the digital tools provided by management and embrace innovation as a means of improving productivity and service delivery.
He expressed appreciation to the executive secretary, management and directors for their support toward the implementation of the Commission’s digital transformation agenda.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Garba by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), UBEC, Mr Olajuwon Akinyemi.
The award was in recognition of her leadership and commitment to driving digital transformation within the commission.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured the launched of Digital Transformation and Change Management Roadmap capable of delivering services more efficiently and supporting quality education nationwide.
The event brought together management staff, directors, state and zonal officials, as well as selected digital champions drawn from departments, units, zonal offices and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs).(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
