By Emmanuel Ogbodo
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), in Lagos has partnered with the U.S.-based Digital Learning Network (DLN), to launch a $1 billion initiative aimed at equipping over five million private school students in Lagos with laptops and artificial intelligence (AI), training.
The initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Thursday, seeks to integrate AI-powered learning solutions into the education system, enhancing digital literacy and innovation.
Alaka Yusuf, President of NAPPS Lagos, described the initiative as a transformative step for private schools.
“This is more than a milestone; it’s a commitment to equipping every child with the tools to thrive in a digital world,” he said.
He emphasized that the program would foster creativity, critical thinking, and global competitiveness among students while improving teaching methodologies.
DLN CEO Thomas Larmena highlighted that the project is fully funded through private capital, incurring no cost to NAPPS, the government, or students.
The initiative will also establish laptop assembly facilities in Nigeria, generating 2,400 jobs and 1,400 instructor roles.
To ensure connectivity, the project will collaborate with Starlink and local telecom providers, expanding high-speed internet access in schools and beyond. Discussions are ongoing to scale the program nationwide.
This initiative aligns with national efforts to promote AI and digital learning.
The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology recently launched a free AI academy in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation, offering AI training, ambassadorial roles, and internships with Intel.
Applications for the AI academy are open until January 30, 2025, on the official program website.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to leverage technology for economic growth and youth empowerment in the global digital economy.
