When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020 and schools across Nigeria were forced to shut down, the glaring divide in access to digital learning became impossible to ignore.
While students in wealthier homes switched to online classes using laptops, tablets, and smartphones, millions of others were left stranded, cut off from learning because they lacked devices, internet access, or even electricity.
Five years later, the lessons of that disruption linger. Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenge of integrating technology into classrooms, even as global education trends move increasingly toward digital and blended learning.
In Lagos, some private schools have adopted interactive whiteboards, online homework portals, and digital libraries. Students in these institutions are exposed to coding, robotics, and multimedia learning, equipping them with skills relevant for the 21st-century economy.
But in rural communities across states like Zamfara, Ebonyi, and Taraba, classrooms still function without basic chalkboards. Computers are rare, and internet connectivity is non-existent. According to a 2024 report by UNICEF, only 12 percent of Nigerian primary schools and 29 percent of secondary schools have any form of internet access.
This stark divide highlights the inequality within the education system. Children from affluent backgrounds benefit from digital literacy, while their peers in low-income and rural communities are left behind, deepening existing socio-economic gaps.
One of the biggest challenges to e-learning adoption in Nigeria is poor infrastructure. The World Bank estimates that 85 million Nigerians still lack access to reliable electricity. Without stable power supply, digital devices remain largely unusable in many schools.
Internet connectivity is another hurdle. Broadband penetration in Nigeria stands at about 45 percent, with coverage heavily concentrated in urban areas. High data costs further limit access, especially for families already struggling to afford school fees.
“We want to introduce e-learning in our secondary schools, but how do you sustain online classes in villages where children walk miles to charge their phones?” asked a local education officer in Plateau State.
Even where technology is available, many teachers lack the skills to use it effectively. A survey by the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) found that fewer than 30 percent of teachers in public schools had received training in digital teaching tools.
As a result, laptops and projectors donated to schools often go unused. Some teachers remain comfortable with traditional methods and resist adopting digital approaches, citing lack of support and training.
“Technology alone does not transform education,” said Dr. Amina Yusuf, an education technology expert. “Teachers must be empowered with digital skills, and schools need long-term maintenance plans, not just one-time donations of devices.”
The COVID-19 lockdown exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s education system. While states like Lagos and Ogun experimented with radio and television classes, the outreach was limited. Many students, particularly in rural areas, lost nearly a year of formal learning.
Parents and education advocates argue that the experience should have spurred a stronger commitment to e-learning infrastructure. Yet progress has been slow. Although the federal government launched the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) in 2020, implementation in schools remains uneven.
In the absence of comprehensive government action, private companies and NGOs have stepped in. Edtech startups such as uLesson, Edves, and ScholarX provide affordable digital learning solutions tailored to Nigerian students. Some offer offline content that can be accessed without internet connectivity, while others use mobile apps to deliver lessons in core subjects.
These innovations are gaining traction, particularly among urban middle-class families. However, they remain out of reach for millions of children in rural areas, reinforcing the urban-rural digital divide.
Education experts warn that Nigeria risks creating a two-tier education system: one in which privileged children access global-standard digital tools, while the majority remain confined to outdated methods.
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“If we do not bridge the digital divide, we will widen inequality,” said Professor Peter Anozie, an education policy analyst. “In today’s world, digital literacy is as fundamental as reading and writing. Without it, Nigerian students will struggle to compete globally.”
The federal government has pledged to integrate ICT into the school curriculum through initiatives under the Ministry of Education and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). In 2023, it announced plans to equip at least 500 secondary schools with solar-powered ICT labs. Some states, including Ekiti and Edo, have also rolled out tablet-based learning programs.
Yet funding remains a major obstacle. Nigeria spends less than 10 percent of its annual budget on education, far below UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15 to 20 percent. With competing national priorities such as security and infrastructure, digital education often takes a back seat.
Infrastructure investment in electricity and broadband, particularly in rural areas.
Teacher training in digital pedagogy, supported by continuous professional development.
Public-private partnerships to scale affordable e-learning tools.
Inclusive policies ensuring that marginalized children, including those in conflict zones, are not left out.
Parents, too, are calling for urgency. “The world is moving fast,” said a father in Abuja. “Our children cannot afford to be left behind in the digital age.”
For Nigeria, the challenge is clear: technology must not remain a privilege of the few but a standard tool for all classrooms. Bridging the digital divide will require not only resources but also political will. Until then, e-learning in Nigerian schools will remain more of a dream than a reality.