UNICEF reasures support to Imo for sustainable digital learning eco-system

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reiterated its commitment in supporting Imo State to build an inclusive and sustainable Digital Learning Eco-System.

This is as it has been said that it would continue to encourage efforts to expand connectivity, increase access to devices, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and invest in teacher capacity so that no child is left behind.

Juliet Chiluwe, chief of Field Office UNICEF Enugu, stated this at the launch of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) held in Owerri, Imo State.

Together with Microsoft, GPE, Airtel, HIS Towers Tecno and the government of Imo State, Chiluwe said that UNICEF is working to ensure that every child has access to quality learning opportunities.

She said, “The platform’s online and offline functionality, coupled with zero rated access for Airtel users, helps to remove barriers for learners, including those in underserved communities.”

Chiluwe explained that the Nigeria Learning Passport was a partnership between the federal government of Nigeria, UNICEF, Microsoft and the Global Partnership for Education, stressing that since as national rollout in 2022, the platform had expanded to 25 states and enrolled more than 2.5 million learners nationwide, thereby demonstrating the power of technology to reach children wherever they are.

She commended the government of Imo State for its serious commitment to education and digital transformation, noting that through the Imo State Digital Technology Agenda and ongoing investment in digital literacy connectivity and ICT integration, the state is laying the foundation for better learning outcomes and a more competitive future workforce.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who declared open the ceremony through his commissioner for education, restated the commitment of his administration to the provision of sustainable, qualitative Education for the people.

“UNICEF has proved beyond all reasonable doubts that it is for children, and I am grateful to the body (UNICEF) for bringing this to Nigeria,” he said.

He enumerated the number of higher institutions he had established since assumption of office, and commended the federal ministry of education for its giant strides in the nation’s education sector and enjoined students from various post-primary schools in the state who attended the ceremony to make maximum use of the lessons they had received.

Chinwe Adim Madumere, director, UNICEF and other NGO’s unit Imo State Basic Education, in her speech, which centred on “Emerging Education”, identified the Nigerian learning passport as a digital gateway to learning as well as a digital school in the pockets of students and pupils.

“Everything our pupils are required to learn from primary 1 to SS3 is already uploaded, organised and delivered in English and localised in Igbo; it is free, works online and offline and was built by UNICEF and Microsoft with the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC to ensure that learning never stops,” she said.