FG Names Education Academy Apex Body for Digital Literacy, Demands Urgent Overhaul Of National Education Policy
The Federal Government has designated the Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE) as Nigeria’s apex national institution for digital literacy and the development of leaders for a future ready economy, as the Academy called for an urgent overhaul of the country’s education policy, teacher training and classroom delivery systems.
The announcement was made by the President of the Academy, Emeritus Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, at the opening of the NAE 2026 Annual Congress in Abuja, attended by the Minister of Education, members of the National and State Assemblies, heads of educational parastatals and other key stakeholders.
Under its new national mandate, the Academy is expected to lead the development of Nigeria’s digital skills framework and shape policies aimed at preparing the country’s future workforce for emerging technological and economic realities.
Its priorities will include integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, innovative teaching methods and evidence based approaches into education policy and practice.
Speaking at the congress, Jegede warned that Nigeria could no longer afford superficial or gradual reforms in an education system facing mounting pressure from rapid technological advancements and changing global economic demands.
He described the country’s education system as being at a critical crossroads, arguing that outdated educational models could no longer adequately prepare young Nigerians for the demands of the 21st century.
“Nigeria stands at a volatile crossroads where obsolete educational paradigms collide with an unforgiving 21st century reality. The era of comfortable, incremental reforms is over. As the newly designated intellectual engine for Nigeria’s future proof economy, the NAE will no longer issue polite, reactive advisory notes. We are here to intentionally disrupt the archaic architectures holding our nation back,” he said.
The Academy President called on the Federal Government to urgently undertake a comprehensive review of the National Policy on Education, noting that the existing framework requires substantial revision to reflect contemporary realities and emerging societal needs.
He also urged the government to enforce strict compliance with existing laws and regulations guiding the composition of governing boards of educational institutions and parastatals.
On teacher development, Jegede advocated a fundamental restructuring of teacher education and professional development, alongside a comprehensive review of instructional methods and classroom delivery.
He further called for policies that would guarantee equitable access to digital technologies in schools across the country, regardless of geographical location.
According to him, achieving meaningful transformation in the education sector requires coordinated action involving the Federal Ministry of Education, State Ministries of Education, the Legislature and other relevant institutions.
He stressed that the Academy’s new national responsibility also places greater demands on its members, urging newly inducted members and Fellows to move beyond academic recognition and contribute directly to solving the country’s educational challenges.
“The Academy has no room for sedentary scholars or armchair theoreticians. Nigeria requires your raw intellect and your immediate, unyielding involvement to reshape our pedagogical destiny,” he declared.
Jegede challenged members to deploy their expertise towards advancing digital competencies, promoting emerging technologies and building an education system capable of producing a skilled, innovative and globally competitive workforce.
The 2026 Annual Congress also featured the investiture of four distinguished academics as Fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Education.
Among those honoured was Professor Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, First Vice-President of the Academy, in recognition of his distinguished academic standing and contributions to education.
The congress also paid tribute to deceased members and family members of Fellows, with special recognition of the late Professor David Adamu Baikie, a founding member of the Academy, as well as the late Mrs Lassa and the late Mr Omotayo Olarinoye.
The Academy’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the legacies of departed members through sustained dedication to academic excellence, educational advancement and national development.
Jegede maintained that the Academy’s new national mandate would be judged not simply by the policy recommendations it produces but by its practical contributions to transforming Nigeria’s education system and developing the human capital needed to drive the country’s future economy.
