The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and the Digital Learning Network (DLN) have joined forces in a groundbreaking $1 billion initiative to digitize Nigeria’s educational curriculum. This 30-year partnership aims to transform the educational landscape by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into a digital learning platform tailored to Nigeria’s unique curriculum.
At the core of this initiative is the goal of providing every student with a laptop and high-speed internet access, alongside robust digital literacy training for both teachers and students. The initial phase of the project, set to launch in Lagos State, is projected to create over 2,400 new high-paying jobs, including 1,400 teaching roles, underscoring its economic as well as educational impact.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, the President of NAPPS Lagos, Alaka Yusuf, hailed the initiative as a transformative milestone for Nigerian education. “This agreement marks the beginning of a new era,” Yusuf stated. “Digitalization of education in Nigeria has been slow, leaving many schools without the necessary tools. Through this partnership with DLN, we aim to equip every child with a laptop integrated with the Nigerian curriculum. This will enable students to complete assignments, engage in schoolwork, and embrace digital transformation in their learning journey.”
Thomas Larmena, CEO and President of DLN, emphasized the project’s far-reaching potential to bridge the digital divide and align Nigerian students with global standards. He noted that the initiative would not only eliminate data costs for parents and students but also position African education to compete on the global stage.
“We are committed to collaborating with stakeholders—including NAPPS, government entities, civil society, and the private sector—to ensure the success of this project,” Larmena explained. “Our vision is to deliver quality education that matches developed nations, starting with Lagos State as a model. This is more than an educational reform; it’s a pathway to a digitally enabled and inclusive future.”
Larmena further elaborated on the private funding structure of the project and its scalability. He revealed that the Lagos phase alone, valued at $1.2 billion, aligns with DLN’s broader vision for a comprehensive digital transformation of Nigeria’s education system. The initiative will develop an AI-powered platform tailored to the local curriculum, provide students with essential digital tools, and deliver extensive digital literacy training for educators and learners alike.
As part of the project’s long-term vision, DLN is in discussions with other states to expand the initiative nationwide. “The digital transformation is inevitable, and Africa must not be left behind,” Larmena stated.
The partnership represents a bold step toward reshaping Nigerian education, ensuring that students across the country have access to the tools and opportunities necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
