By Grace Udofia
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has announced plans to commence the development of E-learning software for use at the basic education level in Nigeria.
In a press release signed by David Apeh, Head Public Relations and Protocol, the Commission disclosed that it introduced the E-learning software in order to reverse the ugly trend and reposition the basic education sub sector for improved performance.
Apeh in the statement revealed that 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.
According to the commission, the e-learning software is to integrate modern learning approaches into basic education delivery and also ensure that Nigeria’s education system keeps abreast of global best practices.
It also added that these initiatives will provide ample opportunities for learners and accordingly 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 reads, “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”.
