Education
FG Launches Free Data And Mobile Devices For Teachers Nationwide
DDM News

(DDM) — The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a new national initiative to provide teachers across the country with free data access and subsidised mobile devices, marking a major step toward integrating digital learning in classrooms nationwide.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the initiative, launched by the Federal Ministry of Education, is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance the digital competence of educators and bridge the technology gap affecting teaching standards in public schools.
The programme, which was formally announced on Thursday in Abuja by Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, targets 8,000 teachers in its first phase, covering all six geopolitical zones.
According to the ministry, the pilot phase will run from December 2025 to July 2026, after which the project will be scaled up to reach more teachers across the federation.
Implemented under the Education Public-Private Partnership (ePPP) framework, the initiative is supported technically by the UK-funded Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), aligning with Nigeria’s National Digital Learning Policy (NDLP).
Speaking during the Ministerial Roundtable on Zero-Rated Data and Devices for Nigerian Teachers, Dr. Alausa described the move as a “transformative step” in the Federal Government’s education reform agenda.
He explained that the initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a technology-driven education system that prioritises digital inclusion, skills development, and innovative learning delivery.
“We know that teachers are not being paid enough, and we’re not fooling ourselves,” Alausa said.
“Giving these teachers devices and expecting them to pay for data is foolhardy. That’s why we’re here today, to create a path for them to access whatever they need without paying anything,” he added.
Under the arrangement, participating teachers will receive mobile learning devices and zero-rated internet access in partnership with major telecommunications companies and internet service providers.
This will allow them to use the Federal Government’s eLearn platform and other accredited digital learning resources free of charge.
The Education Minister emphasised that the programme is not merely a welfare gesture but a strategic investment in human capital development, enabling teachers to become facilitators of 21st-century learning.
He praised PLANE and other private partners for their collaboration, saying such partnerships are essential for sustainability and impact.
In her remarks, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), hailed the initiative as “a milestone in teacher empowerment and digital transformation.”
She said, “The provision of zero-rated, subsidised data bundles is not merely a technical solution; it is a strategic intervention that can accelerate digital inclusion, enhance teacher capacity, and improve learning outcomes nationwide.”
Dr. Soyombo further noted that access to digital tools would enable teachers to integrate technology more effectively into classroom lessons, pursue continuous professional development, and connect to global teaching resources.
As part of the launch, Dr. Alausa inaugurated the Ministerial Implementation Committee on ePPP for Zero Data and Devices, which will oversee the programme’s rollout and ensure accountability.
The committee includes representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), TRCN, major telecom firms, and EdTech platforms.
Their responsibilities include finalising the cost structure for the pilot phase, verifying the list of participating schools and teachers, and conducting an impact assessment to guide the national expansion plan by July 2026.
Education experts and policy analysts have welcomed the initiative as a timely and progressive intervention.
They argue that empowering teachers with connectivity and digital resources will improve lesson delivery, promote innovation, and narrow the learning gap between urban and rural schools.
A senior education consultant who spoke to DDM noted that “without empowered teachers, no education reform can succeed. This initiative directly targets the core of our classroom system.”
The programme also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.
Observers say the initiative could significantly reduce teachers’ financial burdens, encourage the adoption of digital teaching methods, and foster a modern, interactive learning culture in public schools.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the government’s resolve to sustain the programme beyond the pilot phase.
“This initiative is not just about technology,” he said. “It’s about dignity, access, and opportunity, giving our teachers the tools they need to transform the future of education in Nigeria.”
Education
BREAKING: Peter Obi donates ₦10 million to College of Nursing Sciences, Oji River
DDM News
(DDM) – Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to education and healthcare development, donating ₦10 million to the College of Nursing Sciences, Oji River, Enugu State.
In a statement shared on his verified handle and obtained by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Obi revealed that his visit to the institution followed a direct call from the college’s proprietor, Bishop Ikechukwu Joseph Egbuonu, who briefed him on the school’s needs and developmental challenges.
The former Anambra State governor said he arrived in Enugu State from Lagos to personally assess the situation, interact with the students, and encourage them to remain dedicated to the nursing profession, which he described as “one of the world’s most noble and vital callings.”
Obi noted that nurses form the backbone of every functional healthcare system and deserve the best training and support to continue their lifesaving duties.
“To support their learning environment and ensure continuity in training,” Obi stated, “I made a support of ₦10 million to assist the institution.”
Following his visit to the college, Obi, accompanied by Bishop Egbuonu, also toured the General Hospital, Oji River, which was previously managed by the mission before being taken over by the government.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for returning the facility to its original mission owners, describing the gesture as a noble act that would restore efficiency and accountability in healthcare delivery.
“That noble cause reminded me of my time as Governor of Anambra State,” Obi said, “when we returned schools and hospitals to their voluntary agencies, the original founders.
Many of those institutions have since transformed from near collapse to thriving, reputable facilities among the best in Nigeria today.”
According to DDM, the former governor praised Bishop Egbuonu for his dedication to education and healthcare advancement, which he said are central to building ethical and competent professionals in Nigeria.
Obi reaffirmed his long-held philosophy that national development depends on strategic investments in human capital.
“My philosophy remains simple,” he added. “When we invest in our people, schools, hospitals, and agricultural systems, we lay the foundation for a productive and prosperous nation.”
He assured that he would continue making “modest contributions wherever possible” to help build a New Nigeria, where every child can learn, every citizen can access quality healthcare, and every community can thrive.
The visit and donation have since attracted commendations on social media, with many Nigerians describing Obi’s gesture as consistent with his reputation for prioritizing human development and grassroots empowerment.
Education
JUST IN: Peter Obi donates ₦15m to nursing college, pledges to rebuild Agulu school
DDM News
(DDM) – Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, on Tuesday, November 5, continued his nationwide educational and healthcare support tour with fresh donations and promises of reconstruction in Anambra State.
In a statement obtained by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Obi announced that he visited the College of Nursing Sciences, Adazi-Nnukwu, in Anaocha Local Government Area, where he donated ₦15 million to improve teaching and learning facilities.
The former governor said the gesture reflects his sustained commitment to human capital development, describing education and healthcare as “the two strongest pillars of a productive, healthy, and prosperous nation.”
During his visit, Obi interacted with students and faculty members, encouraging them to remain dedicated to their studies and focused on contributing meaningfully to national development.
He reminded them that he had supported the establishment of the College of Nursing during his tenure as governor and has remained steadfast in backing its growth.
“I have always believed that the best way to secure our future as a nation is by investing in education and healthcare,” Obi told the students.
“Our young people must be equipped with the knowledge and values to lead Nigeria out of poverty and corruption.”
After leaving Adazi-Nnukwu, Obi proceeded to the Practising School, Agulu, which was destroyed by fire in 2024. The school community has been appealing for support to rebuild its classrooms and learning facilities.
Upon inspecting the site, Obi assured teachers and pupils that he would contribute to the full reconstruction of the school.
Witnesses at the scene told DDM that the visit drew emotional reactions from teachers, many of whom recounted Obi’s earlier support for the school during his administration as governor of Anambra State.
Obi emphasized that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful progress unless deliberate investments are made in education and healthcare.
He said leaders at all levels must redirect public funds toward projects that impact ordinary citizens.
“Education and health remain the most critical foundations for human and national development,” Obi declared. “No society can grow beyond the quality of its education and healthcare system. I will continue to play my part, no matter how small, to build the New Nigeria we all desire.”
His visit, which sparked excitement on social media, has been described by analysts as part of Obi’s consistent post-election engagements aimed at strengthening public institutions and inspiring civic responsibility among Nigerians.
Education
2025 NYSC Registration, Teacher Training, Political Shift, Police Clarify Suspect Death
DDM NEWS
(DDM) – The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that registration for the 2025 Batch C programme will begin on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, and end on November 9, 2025.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the online registration applies to both locally and foreign-trained graduates, marking the start of another cycle of national service for Nigerian youth.
Pre-camp physical verification for foreign-trained graduates is scheduled from November 9 to 13, 2025, while other preparatory activities, including ICT registration processes, are set for mid-November.
The NYSC also stated that the printing and distribution of deployment and call-up letters will take place between November 16 and 18, 2025, with orientation course dates to be announced subsequently.
Meanwhile, the remobilisation portal remains open for absconded corps members from the 2025 Batch B cycle until November 3, 2025, requiring such individuals to refund allowances received during their initial service.
In Lagos, Ashoka Africa has completed a year-long professional development programme for 102 teachers under its Changemaker Teachers Activation (CTEACH) initiative.
The programme equips educators with 21st-century skills to help students tackle social and environmental issues collaboratively.
Ashoka Africa also inducted 100 new teachers into its second cohort and launched a documentary and storybook highlighting youth-led change projects across Nigeria.
The initiative aims to reform the nation’s education system by turning teachers into “change-maker-makers,” with corporate support from Audemars Piguet through First Book.
Ashoka officials emphasised that sustainable impact depends on teachers embracing innovation, community collaboration, and corporate partnerships to cultivate future problem-solvers.
In politics, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri defended his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting the move was in the best interest of the state.
Speaking during the 14th annual Bayelsa Thanksgiving service in Yenagoa, Diri said politics should prioritize service and development, and that the people would appreciate his decision in time.
He is expected to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, November 4, 2025, during a grand reception in Yenagoa.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri’s alignment with the centre as beneficial to Bayelsa while cautioning party members against disloyalty.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command dismissed allegations that a suspected IPOB financier, Magnus Ejiogu, popularly known as Emu, died in custody due to torture.
Police spokesman DSP Henry Okoye confirmed that Ejiogu, aged 49, died from an illness after being rushed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri.
Ejiogu, accused of sponsoring IPOB/ESN activities and deadly attacks in Imo State, fell ill while awaiting arraignment, which had been delayed due to a judiciary strike.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death, and police insist that all actions followed due process and professional standards.
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