UNICEF Calls for Embracing Digital Learning Platforms to Enhance Education Access on African Child Day

In an effort to enhance access to quality education for children in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has emphasized the significance of digital learning platforms. In a statement released by Mr. Anike Alli-Hakeem, UNICEF’s Communication Officer for Communications, Advocacy, and Partnerships, the organization commemorated the annual Day of the African Child on June 16, 2023, focusing on the theme “The rights of the child in the digital environment.”

Recognizing the potential of digitalization, UNICEF urged various stakeholders, including the government, to harness the opportunities presented by digital learning platforms for the benefit of Nigerian children. The education sector in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, particularly with regard to accessing quality learning resources. Insufficient domestic spending on education has resulted in a scarcity of adequate school infrastructure and qualified teachers, while prevalent poverty levels and societal norms often hinder educational opportunities, particularly for girls.

To address the issue of limited access to quality learning opportunities, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, launched the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) last year. The NLP is an innovative online, mobile, and offline digital learning platform, powered by Microsoft, that provides continuous access to 15,000 curriculum-aligned learning and training materials in local languages. Its aim is to benefit learners, teachers, and parents alike.

Since its inception, the NLP has successfully granted access to quality teaching and learning resources to an impressive number of individuals, including 280,000 learners, teachers, parents, and young people. Reflecting on this achievement, Ms. Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, highlighted the importance of scaling up the NLP adoption among stakeholders in the education sector. By doing so, the initiative can effectively reduce the number of children in Nigeria who are not receiving any form of education, while simultaneously improving foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

Ms. Munduate emphasized the potential of digital technology as a platform for innovation and inclusivity in providing quality education for all children. She expressed optimism that embracing digital learning platforms would pave the way for significant advancements in Nigeria’s education landscape.

In light of the urgent need to address educational challenges and ensure that every child has access to quality learning resources, UNICEF’s call to explore digital learning platforms takes center stage on African Child Day. By harnessing the power of technology and fostering collaboration among education stakeholders, Nigeria can pave the way for a brighter future, ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital age.