Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world, and digital tools have amplified its power. – Nelson Mandela
Digital transformation in Nigeria’s education sector, fueled by EdTech, has rapidly accelerated from 2020 to 2024. This period, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and a rise in technology adoption, has seen a significant shift in how education is accessed, delivered, and managed. With a growing need to make learning accessible to Nigeria’s vast student population of over 45 million (World Bank, 2021), EdTech solutions are providing innovative ways to address long-standing challenges such as teacher shortages, infrastructure deficits, and geographical barriers. Below, we explore the key developments in EdTech from 2020 to 2024.
-
E-Learning Platforms and Virtual Classrooms
The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced schools across Nigeria to shut down in early 2020, accelerated the adoption of e-learning platforms. Platforms like uLesson, Tuteria, and Afrilearn have gained widespread use as students and teachers turned to online learning to continue education amidst lockdowns. By the end of 2021, uLesson had over 2 million downloads on its mobile app, demonstrating its reach and popularity among Nigerian students (TechCrunch, 2021). This platform has expanded beyond video lessons to include live tutoring sessions and interactive quizzes tailored to the Nigerian curriculum. By 2023, it had also integrated AI-powered analytics to personalize learning and provide students with customized feedback.
The Nigerian Government has also shown tremendous support to the growth of EdTech. The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) invested $10 million in 2022 to expand digital education infrastructure and develop content for remote learning. These investments facilitated the expansion of platforms like Schoolgate and Roducate, which provide both primary and secondary education content.
-
Mobile Learning (M-Learning) and Increased Smartphone Penetration
Nigeria saw a rise in mobile internet penetration from 37% in 2020 to 52% in 2024 (Nigerian Communications Commission). This growth has significantly boosted mobile learning (M-Learning), making education accessible to millions of students, especially those in remote or underserved areas. For instance, Roducate offers a mobile app that provides government-approved curriculum content. The platform recorded 1 million users in 2022, supported by partnerships with telecom companies to offer affordable data packages for students.
Pass.ng on the other hand, focuses on helping students prepare for national exams like JAMB, WAEC, and NECO through practice tests and digital textbooks. By 2023, it had registered 2.5 million users and saw a 60% pass rate improvement among its users, highlighting the impact of mobile learning in improving academic outcomes.
-
Online Tutoring and Teacher Development Initiatives
Platforms like Prepclass and Tuteria have expanded their services, allowing students to access tutors nationwide through online sessions. These platforms grew by 50% from 2020 to 2022 as parents and students increasingly sought flexible and personalized learning options. Prepclass reported an increase in demand for math and science tutoring, especially in urban centers like Lagos and Abuja, where over 70% of users signed up for STEM courses. The platform adapted by training more tutors and using digital tools to match students with the right tutors based on their needs and schedules.
To address the shortage of qualified teachers and improve the quality of education, organizations like Teach for Nigeria have implemented digital teacher training programs. These programs have trained over 10,000 teachers since 2021, equipping them with digital skills and modern teaching methodologies. UNICEF as well, launched the Learning Passport in partnership with Microsoft in 2022, providing online training and resources for teachers to improve their digital skills. The platform has reached 5,000 teachers across 12 states by 2023.
-
Digital Libraries and Open Educational Resources (OER)
The eGranary Digital Library initiative has expanded its reach to provide offline access to millions of educational resources in regions with limited internet access. By 2023, over 200 schools in rural Nigeria had been equipped with the eGranary system, ensuring that students and teachers have access to quality educational materials even without internet connectivity.
In 2022, Nigeria’s government partnered with the African Union’s Africa Open Educational Resources (OER) Network to provide free access to textbooks and educational materials online. This initiative aims to support 5 million students by 2025, particularly in public schools.
-
AI and Personalized Learning Tools
Launched in 2020, Gradely uses AI to personalize learning experiences for students. The platform tracks student performance and adapts lessons to their needs. By 2023, it had enrolled over 200,000 students, reporting a 30% increase in students’ academic performance as a result of its personalized approach.
In 2021, Nigeria’s National Examination Council (NECO) piloted an AI-driven assessment system to grade national exams faster and more accurately. This system reduced exam grading time by 40%, ensuring quicker results and improving the transparency of the examination process.
Conclusion
From 2020 to 2024, EdTech has reshaped the educational landscape in Nigeria, making learning more accessible, personalized, and effective. As internet access expands and mobile technology becomes more affordable, EdTech’s impact is expected to grow further, offering opportunities for millions of students to access quality education. The future looks promising as public-private partnerships and investments continue to drive innovation in the Nigerian education sector.