The Federal Ministry of Education has formally launched the Inspire Live(s) Online Real-Time Classes Initiative, a comprehensive, nationwide digital learning programme designed to expand equitable access to quality education for millions of Nigerian schoolchildren.
The initiative, which the Ministry describes as “groundbreaking,” is strategically aligned with the “Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” and aims to fundamentally address long-standing systemic issues within the education sector, notably the scarcity of qualified teachers and persistent disruptions to learning schedules.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the Ministry emphasized that by streaming live, interactive lessons directly to students, Inspire Live(s) effectively “democratises access to quality education and ensures that no child is left behind regardless of location or circumstance.”
Implementation and Schedule
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, confirmed that the full implementation of the program has officially commenced. While the platform currently hosts online classes for Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) students, the Minister noted that the rollout “is underway, with expansion set to cover all classes from Primary 1 to Senior Secondary 3” in due course.
The interactive lessons are delivered by certified master teachers using Cisco Webex and adhere to a strict weekly schedule. Classes are held Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Curriculum Details
The initiative covers a broad curriculum across both secondary school levels.
For Junior Secondary School (JSS) learners, the available subjects include:
- Basic Science
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Agricultural Science
- Basic Technology
- Civic Education
- French
- Physical Education
- Religious Studies
- History
- Business Studies
For Senior Secondary School (SSS) learners, the curriculum focuses on core science and commercial subjects, including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Geography
- Agricultural Science
- Technical Drawing/Catering Craft
- Civic Education
- Automobile Mechanics
Mandatory State Directives and Participation
To ensure seamless and effective nationwide participation, the Federal Ministry of Education has issued specific directives to all state Commissioners for Education. These steps include:
- Nominating a State Focal Officer to coordinate all Inspire Live(s) activities within the state.
- Circulating programme details comprehensively to all public and private school principals.
- Ensuring designated schools are equipped with basic ICT facilities and internet connectivity, emphasizing that a minimum digital capability is essential for seamless delivery.
The Ministry clarified that the online classes are not restricted solely to government institutions, stressing that the programme is “open to all public and private schools in the country to access.” Registration for participation, however, is strictly managed and “is to be conducted by school principals via the Inspire support channels.”
