The Federal Government of Nigeria has Compulsory all Nigerian universities to transit to Anthology Blackboard, a digital learning management system by the end of 2025. This new innovation was ordered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, during a meeting with vice-chancellors in Abuja, where he shows dissatisfaction with the slow transition to digital education in higher institutions.

The minister emphasized on the need for universities to break away from Archaic teaching methods and embrace a hybrid learning system that blends physical and virtual education. He point out  that digital learning tools are essential for modern education and asked institutions to allocate their ICT intervention funds toward computing Anthology Blackboard into their academic framework.

He renounced that the use of technology in education is no longer an option but a necessity, given the increasing demand for flexible and accessible learning. According to Dr Alausa, universities must take proactive steps to establish digital classrooms that enable students to access quality education remotely. He noted that while implementation might demand for training and infrastructure adjustments, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) would provide the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition.

The minister particularly encouraged universities in regions facing  insecurity to exploit the hybrid learning model. He pointed out that in areas where students faces difficulties attending physical classes due to insecurity, online learning could serve as a substitute to ensure continuity in education. He cautioned that this initiative is not merely an Admonition but a policy that universities must implement before the stated deadline.

Aside digital transformation, Dr. Alausa also question Nigeria’s growing admission crisis. He highlighted that approximately two million candidates apply for university admission through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) each year, but roughly 330,000 secure admission. This means that roughly 75 percent of applicants are unable to access tertiary education, a situation he described as unacceptable.

He urged universities to look for ways to expand their admission capacity rather than restricting entry due to infrastructural limitations. He suggested that digital learning could help accommodate more students by reducing the dependency on physical classroom space. Additionally, he called for a stronger focus on specialized education programs that equip students with industry-relevant skills to bridge the existing gap in the labor market.

Dr. Alausa promises universities of the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance learning experiences, increase access to higher education, and align academic programs with global best practices. He urged institutions to act fast in endorsing the new system, citing that any delay in implementation would not be overlooked.