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By Tracy Moses
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting technology-driven education among children.
This is aimed at equipping them with technical skills to enable them to learn beyond traditional classroom settings.
Speaking at a two-day training in Abiriba, in Ohafia Local Government Area, Dr. Agatha Nzeribe, Education Specialist at UNICEF’s Enugu zonal office, highlighted the goal of empowering students to learn from anywhere using digital tools. The focus of the event was Nigeria’s Learning Passport (NLP), an online platform designed to combat illiteracy by improving access to educational resources through the Internet.
Dr. Nzeribe explained that the NLP enables teachers, pupils, and lifelong learners to engage with educational content remotely. The training also introduced participants to key NLP software tools to enhance their digital teaching capabilities.
She noted that 500 teachers in Abia State are expected to benefit from this initiative, starting with 100 from Ohafia LGA. The effort is supported by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), which is investing around $7 million to advance technological education across Nigeria.
Dr. Nzeribe has commended IHS Towers, one of UNICEF’s sponsors, for their financial support towards the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) programme, urging participating teachers to make the most of the training. She emphasized the importance of passing on the knowledge gained to their pupils and fellow educators to create a ripple effect of positive change in their schools and communities.
“When these teachers return to their respective schools, they will become agents of change, supporting other educators, students, and pupils,” she said.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Special Education Programme at the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Mrs. Oyiri Sunday Udeogu, acknowledged UNICEF’s partnership with ASUBEB in organizing the training. She highlighted the unique advantage of the Nigeria Learning Passport, its ability to allow pupils to learn independently, without a teacher’s immediate presence.
She expressed gratitude to both UNICEF and the Abia State Government for introducing the digital learning platform, noting that it would be a game changer for teachers and learners across the state.
“We’re beginning this initiative with 100 teachers from Ohafia Local Government Area. They’ll serve as the foundation for expanding the programme across other LGAs, teaching their colleagues and pupils how to use the platform,” Mrs. Udeogu said.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Benjamin Ugwuanyi, a UNICEF Desk Officer from the Enugu office and one of the workshop instructors, explained that the training focused on “blended learning using Nigeria’s Learning Passport.” He noted that education is evolving, and teachers must be supported to adapt to technological advancements.
“This is the digital age, and it’s crucial that our educators are not left behind. The Learning Passport provides access to educational content anytime, anywhere. During the COVID-19 lockdown, when schools were closed, UNICEF developed this platform to keep students engaged at home,” he explained.
The programme aims to equip educators with the tools to bridge the gap between technology and traditional learning, ensuring that no child is left behind in Abia State’s basic education system.
According to an official connected with the program, one of its standout features is that it’s entirely free and aligned with the national school curriculum. “What’s even more rewarding is that participants receive a certificate upon completion, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and endorsed by Microsoft, a key technical partner in the project,” he explained. “Microsoft plays a vital role by offering the technical expertise that powers the platform.”
Several beneficiaries of the initiative, including Mrs. Gladys Erisi, Nwoko Nchege, and Mrs. Georgina Otah, spoke with reporters about the positive impact of the program. They credited the Nigeria Learning Passport with significantly enhancing their knowledge and extended their gratitude to the international partners and the Abia State government for facilitating such an invaluable learning experience.