UNICEF says launch of Nigeria learning passport’ll strengthen partnership with Abia
*As Otti describes initiative as gateway to limitless possibilities
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Juliet Chiluwe, UNICEF Chief Field Officer, Enugu State, during an interview with newsmen during the launch of Nigeria Learning Passport in Umuahia, Thursday
Abia State, on Thursday, May 15, became one f the 22 states in Nigeria to adopt the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), a new digital solution designed to close the learning poverty gap, as it was launched by the state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
The Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) is a dynamic digital platform for learners, particularly pupils and students, to use the computer or smart phone to learn through accessing the platform. It also supports children with disabilities, girls, and underserved communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in this digital revolution.
The initiative, launched in Nigeria in March 2022, is a collaborative creation of United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and Microsoft as a vital response to the unprecedented educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 which impacted 1.6 billion learners globally.
The innovative platform was developed and subsequently contextualized for Nigeria through the collaborative efforts of the Federal Ministry of Education, with the generous support of the Global Partnership for Education and is currently being used by 1.8 million learners nationwide and has more than 16,000 curriculum-aligned lessons which could be accessed through online, offline, and mobile-based channels.
Governor Otti, at the launch held at the Conference Hall of Ministry of Basic and Secondary Schools, Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, Umuahia, said NLP was not merely a tool but a gateway to limitless possibilities; a journey to light up minds and transform destinies.
“By bridging gaps in access, quality, and equity, the NLP empowers our children, teachers, and lifelong learners to thrive in an evolving world, regardless of location or circumstance.
“Here in Abia, a state renowned for its innovation and resilience, this launch symbolizes our commitment to harnessing technology for inclusive, future-ready education. Together, we break barriers, ignite curiosity, and cultivate the skills that will drive Abia’s prosperity,” Governor Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Schools, Elder Goodluck Ubochi.
United Nation’s International Children Education Fund (UNICEF) Chief Field Officer, Enugu State, Juliet Chiluwe, who represented the agency at the launch, said that the development not only signifies a renewed and strengthened partnership between UNICEF and Abia State in the pursuit of educational excellence; but also underscores a shared commitment to educational advancement and aligns with a global movement focused on reimagining learning in the 21st Century.
“Abia State has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the education sector through investments across all levels. Your Excellency’s leadership in prioritizing educational development is particularly commendable.
“A key testament to this commitment is the Abia First Educational Programme Initiative, a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy designed to transform the state’s educational landscape through holistic curriculum reform, enhanced teacher professional development, strategic infrastructure upgrades, the integration of technology in learning a strong emphasis on inclusive education and the fostering of collaborative partnerships to ensure equitable and quality education for all children in Abia State,” Chiluwe remarked.
“This collaboration, supported by the invaluable contributions of Microsoft, GPE, Airtel, HIS Towers and TECNO, is strategically designed to expand access to education, reduce the number of out-of-school children, and significantly improve literacy and numeracy outcomes within the state,” she said.
The UNICEF official said NLP has wide reach, with over 1.8 million students enrolled nationally since 2022, which underscores its potential impact.
“Nigeria Learning Passport accessibility via online, mobile, and offline platforms, coupled with ongoing efforts to address data and connectivity gaps through partnerships with Airtel and HIS (including data-free access for Airtel users) further enhances its potential for equitable reach,” she explained.
The elated Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education described the event as a transformative milestone in Abia’s journey toward delivering inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
“The Nigeria Learning Passport is more than a digital platform; it is a lifeline for the future of education in Nigeria. Developed through the visionary collaboration between UNICEF, the Federal Ministry of Education, and Microsoft, this platform is revolutionizing the way learning happens across our nation,” he noted, saying it “exemplifies what is possible when innovation meets commitment.”
He continued: “Today, Abia State proudly joins 21 other forward-thinking states in embracing this digital transformation, becoming the 22nd state to officially launch this initiative. This is not just a symbolic act; it is a bold step toward a resilient, tech-enabled education system that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 and Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy.
“As we officially launch the Nigeria Learning Passport in Abia State today, we are not just unveiling a platform – we are unleashing potential. We are opening the doors of possibility to every child in our state, regardless of background or circumstance.
“We are declaring, with one voice, that Abia is ready: ready to lead, ready to innovate, and ready to transform. Let me close by reiterating that this launch is not the end—it is a beginning, a beginning of renewed hope, of digital inclusion, of equitable learning.”
While commending the stakeholders including UNICEF, Microsoft and Federal Ministry of Education, the Commissioner noted that Governor Otti’s understanding that education is the bedrock of sustainable development has fuelled massive reforms and unprecedented investments in Abia schools, promising that government will ensure that NLP becomes an integral tool in every Abia learner’s journey.
He charged every students, teachers and parents to embrace, explore and excel with NLP, saying “together, let us build an Abia State where every child learns, grows, and thrives.”
In her goodwill message, Chairman of Abia State Universal Basic Educational Board, Mrs. Lilian Onuoha,, represented by the Board’s Secretary, Dr. Uzoamaka Mba, commended UNICEF for partnering with Abia to improve education in the state, adding that UNICEF was coming at a time the state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has prioritized education.
“Abia won a jackpot on May 29, 2023, with the election and swearing in of Dr. Alex Otti. What he has done in the education sector will leave you speechless,” Mrs. Onuoha said. She equally praised UNICEF for what it was also doing in Abia, saying “by bringing NLP to us, you have crowned it all. In less than no time, you will marvel at the outcome.”
Also in his goodwill message, the state Chairman of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), PastorJoseph Uchendu Okowu, promised that the group will buy into NLP “intoto” and commended stakeholders for bringing the programme to Abia.
The launch also featured Panel Discussion with the theme: Digital learning, and enabler for better access to quality learning,” and cultural dance performance by school children.