The Federal Government has rolled out a major technology-driven initiative aimed at reducing Nigeria’s shortage of over 1.2 million teachers and improving access to quality education for pupils across the country. The programme, known as the Inspire Live(s)! Online Real-Time Classes Initiative, is expected to bridge the gap in teacher availability and guarantee uninterrupted learning for children at the primary and secondary levels.
Announcing the initiative on Tuesday, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, said the project leverages interactive online lessons to reach learners regardless of their background, location, or circumstances. According to her, the platform is designed to democratise education and ensure that no child is left behind as the country struggles with a severe teacher deficit.
Boriowo explained that the programme is part of a broader education reform agenda championed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. She said full-scale implementation is already underway, with plans to cover all classes from Primary 1 to Senior Secondary 3. While the rollout for secondary school pupils has commenced, the primary school segment is still in the pipeline.
The Ministry noted that both public and private schools are eligible to participate in the programme. The Inspire platform currently streams daily online classes for Junior and Senior Secondary School students from Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The classes, she said, are delivered live by certified master teachers to ensure quality and engagement.
For Junior Secondary School learners, subjects available include Mathematics, English Language, Basic Science, Agricultural Science, ICT, Basic Technology, Civic Education, French, Physical Education, Religious Studies, History, and Business Studies. These subjects were selected to strengthen foundational knowledge and enhance students’ readiness for senior-level academic work.
At the Senior Secondary School level, students can access lessons in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Geography, Agricultural Science, Technical Drawing/Catering Craft, Civic Education, and Automobile Mechanics. The government says the broad subject coverage is intended to support both science and arts-oriented learners.
According to Boriowo, all lessons are hosted via Cisco Webex to ensure stability, security, and real-time interaction between teachers and learners. She added that the Ministry has taken steps to ensure smooth nationwide execution by instructing all Commissioners of Education to appoint State Focal Officers responsible for coordinating programme activities within their jurisdictions.
The officers have also been directed to circulate full programme details to both public and private school principals and ensure that selected schools are equipped with the ICT infrastructure necessary to support online classes. This includes internet connectivity, functional devices, and designated learning spaces for students.
Furthermore, school principals have been mandated to complete official registration through the Inspire support channels, as the Ministry seeks to maintain accurate records and streamline implementation. The Ministry emphasised that proper coordination at the state level is essential to expanding the programme’s reach and sustaining its effectiveness.
The Inspire Live(s)! initiative is seen as one of the most ambitious digital learning reforms undertaken in recent years. Education stakeholders believe it could play a transformative role in addressing learning gaps exacerbated by teacher shortages, insecurity, and infrastructural limitations across many communities. As implementation progresses, expectations are high that the platform will help strengthen Nigeria’s education system and enhance learning outcomes for millions of young learners.
