A look At Nigerian EdTech

Education is the bedrock of development in any country. Nigeria is a developing country with a known sector called the “Education Sector”. Its budgetary allocation is currently 6.7% (a standard percentage for any year), which is below average of the estimated allocation for education by United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO (27%). 

Education technology is the combined use of computer hardware, software and educational theory and practice to facilitate learning. It creates, uses and manages technological processes and educational resources to help improve academic performance. There are new technological tools which can be integrated in school’s for efficient and effective school management, and this is a trend every country should adopt in order to achieve their educational goals. How well does Nigeria’s educational system maximize such trends? Let’s dive into the state of EdTech in Nigeria.

EdTech is essential in school management if we are to achieve efficiency and effectiveness. The world has evolved from traditional methods of learning to digital patterns and every school administrator and educator are advised to adapt to such digital methodologies in order to be more productive. This will foster accuracy, accountability, development and achievement of the school goals.

Education in Nigeria is faced with a lot of problems. These include: Poor funding and thus poor infrastructures, inadequate classrooms, lack of teaching aids (projectors, computers, laboratories and libraries), lack of quality teachers, and polluted learning environment, to mention but a few challenges facing Nigerian schools.

The use of EdTech in this country is completely discouraging, especially for government-owned schools, which hardly learn in a conducive environment – let alone making available tech gadgets that will enhance teaching and learning. Some private schools are the leading pioneers of EdTech, especially for administrators that understand how paramount it is to yield desirable output. Examples of this can be found in top cities like Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcort. 

Nigerian EdTech companies leveraging technology to make education seamless and accessible to millions of Nigerians includes the following:

• uLesson: This company aims to provide adaptive and interactive tests that help students master concepts. Their mission is to recommend lessons, promote practice sessions, and work closely with students to achieve the kind of growth that transforms lives, both in and outside the classroom.

• Gradely: This company helps schools and parents deliver a personalized learning experience for K-12 students in Nigeria.

• PrepClass: This is a company that focuses on connecting potential learners with skilled tutors. They provide tutors for basically anything a client may wish to learn.

• Pass.ng: This is a web and mobile platform that helps candidates in Nigeria practice and prepare for national examinations, by way of suggestive coaching and adaptive testing.

• Passnownow: This is a social interaction website that supports learning by providing curriculum-based test materials to users at very little charge.

The benefits of EdTech cannot be over emphasized. The education system in Nigeria will be better off if every school integrates tech into their core curriculum. The government will need to play a great role in ensuring this comes to realization, that education will be made available to all regardless of social status.  Teachers are responsible for preparing students for the 21st century world: Knowledge is power, after all -therefore, the need to embrace new methodologies is a must. 

Uzodinma Joan Ugonwanyi
Uzodinma is an EduTech enthusiast who is passionate about education,inculcates by integrating technological tools in the classroom. She is also a Web designer & a Digital Marketer.
@joanita_Ug