The Federal Government has launched a fresh push to tackle Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis by activating completed but non-operational Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools across the country, inaugurating a ministerial implementation and monitoring committee to ensure the facilities begin admitting learners.The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Tuesday, saying the initiative would ensure that schools constructed under the Universal Basic Education Commission do not remain idle but become fully functional learning centres serving children, particularly those excluded from formal education.The move is part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at expanding access to quality basic education and improving learning outcomes by ensuring that investments in education infrastructure translate into actual classroom teaching.Alausa said the government would no longer tolerate a situation where completed school projects remain locked or fail to serve their intended purpose.“Infrastructure alone does not educate a child. A completed building without pupils is simply an empty structure. A furnished classroom without teachers remains an idle investment,” the minister said.He explained that although UBEC had invested significantly in Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools to expand access to basic education, implementation gaps had prevented many of the projects from achieving their objectives.According to him, the newly inaugurated committee will oversee the transition of schools from completed infrastructure to fully operational institutions through completion of outstanding works, handover, staffing, enrolment and continuous monitoring.“Every day a completed school remains locked represents lost opportunities for thousands of Nigerian children,” Alausa said.He added that the success of the committee would be measured not by reports produced but by the number of schools actively teaching children.“Success will not be measured by the number of reports submitted, but by how many schools are actually teaching Nigerian children.”Related News271 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive LagosTinubu hails veteran journalist Tunji Bello at 65Reactions trail FG’s extension of NYSC orientation camp to six weeksUnder the initiative, the committee will coordinate with state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to ensure schools are equipped with furniture, learning materials and basic utilities, including electricity, water supply and internet connectivity, while facilitating the deployment of teachers and enrolment of pupils.The Smart Schools programme was introduced by UBEC to modernise basic education through technology-enabled learning. The schools are equipped with digital classrooms, internet access, interactive learning tools and facilities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while promoting digital literacy.The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Tuesday, saying the initiative would ensure that schools constructed under the Universal Basic Education Commission do not remain idle but become fully functional learning centres serving children, particularly those excluded from formal education.The move is part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at expanding access to quality basic education and improving learning outcomes by ensuring that investments in education infrastructure translate into actual classroom teaching.Alausa said the government would no longer tolerate a situation where completed school projects remain locked or fail to serve their intended purpose.“Infrastructure alone does not educate a child. A completed building without pupils is simply an empty structure. A furnished classroom without teachers remains an idle investment,” the minister said.He explained that although UBEC had invested significantly in Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools to expand access to basic education, implementation gaps had prevented many of the projects from achieving their objectives.According to him, the newly inaugurated committee will oversee the transition of schools from completed infrastructure to fully operational institutions through completion of outstanding works, handover, staffing, enrolment and continuous monitoring.“Every day a completed school remains locked represents lost opportunities for thousands of Nigerian children,” Alausa said.He added that the success of the committee would be measured not by reports produced but by the number of schools actively teaching children.“Success will not be measured by the number of reports submitted, but by how many schools are actually teaching Nigerian children.”Related News271 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive LagosTinubu hails veteran journalist Tunji Bello at 65Reactions trail FG’s extension of NYSC orientation camp to six weeksUnder the initiative, the committee will coordinate with state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to ensure schools are equipped with furniture, learning materials and basic utilities, including electricity, water supply and internet connectivity, while facilitating the deployment of teachers and enrolment of pupils.The Smart Schools programme was introduced by UBEC to modernise basic education through technology-enabled learning. The schools are equipped with digital classrooms, internet access, interactive learning tools and facilities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while promoting digital literacy.The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. The move is part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at expanding access to quality basic education and improving learning outcomes by ensuring that investments in education infrastructure translate into actual classroom teaching.Alausa said the government would no longer tolerate a situation where completed school projects remain locked or fail to serve their intended purpose.“Infrastructure alone does not educate a child. A completed building without pupils is simply an empty structure. A furnished classroom without teachers remains an idle investment,” the minister said.He explained that although UBEC had invested significantly in Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools to expand access to basic education, implementation gaps had prevented many of the projects from achieving their objectives.According to him, the newly inaugurated committee will oversee the transition of schools from completed infrastructure to fully operational institutions through completion of outstanding works, handover, staffing, enrolment and continuous monitoring.“Every day a completed school remains locked represents lost opportunities for thousands of Nigerian children,” Alausa said.He added that the success of the committee would be measured not by reports produced but by the number of schools actively teaching children.“Success will not be measured by the number of reports submitted, but by how many schools are actually teaching Nigerian children.”Related News271 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive LagosTinubu hails veteran journalist Tunji Bello at 65Reactions trail FG’s extension of NYSC orientation camp to six weeksUnder the initiative, the committee will coordinate with state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to ensure schools are equipped with furniture, learning materials and basic utilities, including electricity, water supply and internet connectivity, while facilitating the deployment of teachers and enrolment of pupils.The Smart Schools programme was introduced by UBEC to modernise basic education through technology-enabled learning. The schools are equipped with digital classrooms, internet access, interactive learning tools and facilities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while promoting digital literacy.The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. Alausa said the government would no longer tolerate a situation where completed school projects remain locked or fail to serve their intended purpose.“Infrastructure alone does not educate a child. A completed building without pupils is simply an empty structure. A furnished classroom without teachers remains an idle investment,” the minister said.He explained that although UBEC had invested significantly in Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools to expand access to basic education, implementation gaps had prevented many of the projects from achieving their objectives.According to him, the newly inaugurated committee will oversee the transition of schools from completed infrastructure to fully operational institutions through completion of outstanding works, handover, staffing, enrolment and continuous monitoring.“Every day a completed school remains locked represents lost opportunities for thousands of Nigerian children,” Alausa said.He added that the success of the committee would be measured not by reports produced but by the number of schools actively teaching children.“Success will not be measured by the number of reports submitted, but by how many schools are actually teaching Nigerian children.”Related News271 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive LagosTinubu hails veteran journalist Tunji Bello at 65Reactions trail FG’s extension of NYSC orientation camp to six weeksUnder the initiative, the committee will coordinate with state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to ensure schools are equipped with furniture, learning materials and basic utilities, including electricity, water supply and internet connectivity, while facilitating the deployment of teachers and enrolment of pupils.The Smart Schools programme was introduced by UBEC to modernise basic education through technology-enabled learning. The schools are equipped with digital classrooms, internet access, interactive learning tools and facilities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while promoting digital literacy.The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. “Infrastructure alone does not educate a child. A completed building without pupils is simply an empty structure. A furnished classroom without teachers remains an idle investment,” the minister said.He explained that although UBEC had invested significantly in Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools to expand access to basic education, implementation gaps had prevented many of the projects from achieving their objectives.According to him, the newly inaugurated committee will oversee the transition of schools from completed infrastructure to fully operational institutions through completion of outstanding works, handover, staffing, enrolment and continuous monitoring.“Every day a completed school remains locked represents lost opportunities for thousands of Nigerian children,” Alausa said.He added that the success of the committee would be measured not by reports produced but by the number of schools actively teaching children.“Success will not be measured by the number of reports submitted, but by how many schools are actually teaching Nigerian children.”Related News271 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive LagosTinubu hails veteran journalist Tunji Bello at 65Reactions trail FG’s extension of NYSC orientation camp to six weeksUnder the initiative, the committee will coordinate with state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to ensure schools are equipped with furniture, learning materials and basic utilities, including electricity, water supply and internet connectivity, while facilitating the deployment of teachers and enrolment of pupils.The Smart Schools programme was introduced by UBEC to modernise basic education through technology-enabled learning. The schools are equipped with digital classrooms, internet access, interactive learning tools and facilities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while promoting digital literacy.The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. He explained that although UBEC had invested significantly in Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools to expand access to basic education, implementation gaps had prevented many of the projects from achieving their objectives.According to him, the newly inaugurated committee will oversee the transition of schools from completed infrastructure to fully operational institutions through completion of outstanding works, handover, staffing, enrolment and continuous monitoring.“Every day a completed school remains locked represents lost opportunities for thousands of Nigerian children,” Alausa said.He added that the success of the committee would be measured not by reports produced but by the number of schools actively teaching children.“Success will not be measured by the number of reports submitted, but by how many schools are actually teaching Nigerian children.”Related News271 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive LagosTinubu hails veteran journalist Tunji Bello at 65Reactions trail FG’s extension of NYSC orientation camp to six weeksUnder the initiative, the committee will coordinate with state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to ensure schools are equipped with furniture, learning materials and basic utilities, including electricity, water supply and internet connectivity, while facilitating the deployment of teachers and enrolment of pupils.The Smart Schools programme was introduced by UBEC to modernise basic education through technology-enabled learning. The schools are equipped with digital classrooms, internet access, interactive learning tools and facilities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while promoting digital literacy.The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. According to him, the newly inaugurated committee will oversee the transition of schools from completed infrastructure to fully operational institutions through completion of outstanding works, handover, staffing, enrolment and continuous monitoring.“Every day a completed school remains locked represents lost opportunities for thousands of Nigerian children,” Alausa said.He added that the success of the committee would be measured not by reports produced but by the number of schools actively teaching children.“Success will not be measured by the number of reports submitted, but by how many schools are actually teaching Nigerian children.”Related News271 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive LagosTinubu hails veteran journalist Tunji Bello at 65Reactions trail FG’s extension of NYSC orientation camp to six weeksUnder the initiative, the committee will coordinate with state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to ensure schools are equipped with furniture, learning materials and basic utilities, including electricity, water supply and internet connectivity, while facilitating the deployment of teachers and enrolment of pupils.The Smart Schools programme was introduced by UBEC to modernise basic education through technology-enabled learning. The schools are equipped with digital classrooms, internet access, interactive learning tools and facilities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while promoting digital literacy.The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. “Every day a completed school remains locked represents lost opportunities for thousands of Nigerian children,” Alausa said.He added that the success of the committee would be measured not by reports produced but by the number of schools actively teaching children.“Success will not be measured by the number of reports submitted, but by how many schools are actually teaching Nigerian children.”Related News271 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive LagosTinubu hails veteran journalist Tunji Bello at 65Reactions trail FG’s extension of NYSC orientation camp to six weeksUnder the initiative, the committee will coordinate with state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to ensure schools are equipped with furniture, learning materials and basic utilities, including electricity, water supply and internet connectivity, while facilitating the deployment of teachers and enrolment of pupils.The Smart Schools programme was introduced by UBEC to modernise basic education through technology-enabled learning. The schools are equipped with digital classrooms, internet access, interactive learning tools and facilities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while promoting digital literacy.The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. He added that the success of the committee would be measured not by reports produced but by the number of schools actively teaching children.“Success will not be measured by the number of reports submitted, but by how many schools are actually teaching Nigerian children.”Related News271 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive LagosTinubu hails veteran journalist Tunji Bello at 65Reactions trail FG’s extension of NYSC orientation camp to six weeksUnder the initiative, the committee will coordinate with state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to ensure schools are equipped with furniture, learning materials and basic utilities, including electricity, water supply and internet connectivity, while facilitating the deployment of teachers and enrolment of pupils.The Smart Schools programme was introduced by UBEC to modernise basic education through technology-enabled learning. The schools are equipped with digital classrooms, internet access, interactive learning tools and facilities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while promoting digital literacy.The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. “Success will not be measured by the number of reports submitted, but by how many schools are actually teaching Nigerian children.”Related News271 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive LagosTinubu hails veteran journalist Tunji Bello at 65Reactions trail FG’s extension of NYSC orientation camp to six weeksUnder the initiative, the committee will coordinate with state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to ensure schools are equipped with furniture, learning materials and basic utilities, including electricity, water supply and internet connectivity, while facilitating the deployment of teachers and enrolment of pupils.The Smart Schools programme was introduced by UBEC to modernise basic education through technology-enabled learning. The schools are equipped with digital classrooms, internet access, interactive learning tools and facilities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while promoting digital literacy.The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. Under the initiative, the committee will coordinate with state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to ensure schools are equipped with furniture, learning materials and basic utilities, including electricity, water supply and internet connectivity, while facilitating the deployment of teachers and enrolment of pupils.The Smart Schools programme was introduced by UBEC to modernise basic education through technology-enabled learning. The schools are equipped with digital classrooms, internet access, interactive learning tools and facilities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while promoting digital literacy.The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. The Smart Schools programme was introduced by UBEC to modernise basic education through technology-enabled learning. The schools are equipped with digital classrooms, internet access, interactive learning tools and facilities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics education while promoting digital literacy.The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. The commission also developed Bilingual Schools to improve learning through multilingual instruction and foster national integration, while Alternative Schools were established to provide flexible education pathways for out-of-school children, girls, street-connected children and other vulnerable groups unable to access conventional schooling.Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. Despite these investments, many of the facilities have remained underutilised because of delayed handover, inadequate staffing and slow operationalisation in some states.The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. The minister described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that government spending on education must produce measurable results.“Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. “Every classroom will count. Every school will function. Every investment will deliver value,” he said.Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities—still lacking access to formal education. Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. The Federal Government believes the activation of Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools will expand learning opportunities for vulnerable children and improve access to quality basic education nationwide, while strengthening accountability for public investments in the education sector.The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country. The minister directed the committee to begin immediate engagement with UBEC, state governments, contractors and other relevant stakeholders to accelerate the operationalisation of schools across the country.