2.4 Million Learners Now On Nigeria Learning Passport – UNICEF

PHOTO CREDIT: The Sun Nigeria / UNICEF Nigeria
2.4 Million Learners Now On Nigeria Learning Passport – UNICEF
About 2.4 million pupils and teachers across the country are now active users of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), the digital learning platform, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced.

The disclosure was made by the UNICEF Lagos Chief of Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, on Wednesday during the official launch of the platform in Oyo State at the Local Government Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.

According to her, Oyo State has become the 26th state in Nigeria to onboard the initiative. She called on the state government to prioritize children in rural and underserved communities, especially girls.

The Nigeria Learning Passport offers thousands of curriculum-based lessons in Mathematics, English, Science and other subjects. The content is accessible via mobile phones, tablets and computers, both online and offline.

Lafoucriere noted that Airtel Nigeria is covering data costs for users on the platform, allowing learners, teachers and parents to access materials at no cost.

She said the launch in Oyo State is timely, coming after the recruitment of 5,000 teachers by the Governor Seyi Makinde administration.

The platform was created in response to learning disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected over 1.6 billion children globally. It was designed to ensure learning continuity through mobile, radio and other channels, even in areas with limited internet access.

She however cautioned that success should not be measured by registration numbers alone, but by actual usage and improved learning outcomes. She listed inclusion of underserved communities, continuous teacher training, and proper monitoring as key to success in Oyo.

Lafoucriere explained that the NLP is a joint effort of UNICEF, the Federal Government and private partners – Microsoft built the technology, Global Partnership for Education (GPE) provided funding, IHS Towers supported connectivity, TECNO provided devices, and Airtel provides free data. UNICEF ensures content is aligned with the Nigerian curriculum and supports teacher training.

In his remarks, Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola, said the state is adopting the platform to prepare learners and teachers for 21st century demands. He said technology is changing how people work and learn, and education must not be left behind.

He added that the platform will extend learning beyond the classroom and urged teachers to use it to complement teaching and build capacity. He also advised learners to use technology responsibly and called on school heads to drive adoption in vulnerable communities.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bamidele Oyinloye, described the launch as a major milestone in Oyo’s drive to transform education through technology and innovation, in line with the state’s commitment to leaving no child behind.
SOURCE: The Sun Nigeria