IHS Nigeria partners UNICEF to drive digital literacy in Lagos schools

…Connects 200 schools with free routers

In continuation of its efforts to support the government’s digital economy agenda through effective digital literacy targeted at teachers and students in both primary and secondary schools, IHS Nigeria has kicked off the 2026 Programme Year of its ongoing partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Lagos State Government to deliver digital literacy training and school connectivity across the state.

The tripartite partnership covers the training of principals and teachers drawn from 150 secondary schools and 50 primary schools across the three senatorial districts in Lagos State, alongside the free distribution and installation of 200 routers in the participating schools under the IHS Nigeria School Connectivity Programme.

The initiative, which is being implemented by Focus Teens Foundation (FTF), represents another phase of IHS Nigeria’s commitment to advancing digital education and connectivity in schools across Nigeria.

Speaking at the Digital Literacy Training held in Ikeja on Wednesday, Titilope Oguntuga, Director of Sustainability at IHS Nigeria, noted that digital literacy is a necessity in an evolving digital world, stressing that every Nigerian child deserves access to the knowledge, skills, and tools required to thrive in the digital age.

“Today marks the beginning of a new phase in our ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and expand access to quality education through both infrastructure and capacity building. We live in a time when digital skills are no longer optional; they are essential. Access to technology and the ability to use it effectively have become critical drivers of education, innovation, economic participation, and social inclusion.

“Yet, for many schools across our communities, access to reliable connectivity and the capacity to fully leverage digital tools remain significant challenges. This program responds to both realities.

“Through the School Connectivity Program, implemented in partnership with UNICEF, we are supporting schools with access to reliable digital infrastructure and connectivity that enables improved access to information, learning resources, and educational opportunities.

“In addition, through our digital literacy training initiative, we are going beyond infrastructure to strengthen capacity.

“This expanded effort is focused on equipping teachers with practical digital skills to effectively integrate technology into teaching and learning, enhance classroom delivery, and maximise the benefits of digital infrastructure in schools.

“Our vision is simple but powerful: to ensure that improved connectivity is matched with the skills and confidence required to use it effectively for teaching and learning outcomes.

“The world of education is evolving rapidly. The role of teachers is becoming even more central, not only as knowledge providers, but as facilitators of digital learning, innovation, and critical thinking.

“By investing in both connectivity and capacity building, we are strengthening the entire education ecosystem. This initiative also recognizes that technology alone does not transform education. It also empowers the educators who will bring technology to life in the classroom.

“We therefore remain deeply committed to supporting teachers with the tools, training, and continuous learning opportunities needed to thrive in a digital education environment,” she said.

Oguntuga further disclosed that the Lagos State phase is part of a broader national rollout of the programme. According to her, the current phase aims to train over 1,600 teachers and distribute 800 routers across schools in multiple states nationwide.

Following the commencement in Lagos State, the programme will be extended to Kano, Akwa Ibom, Niger, Imo, Oyo, Ondo, and other States across the country to further expand access to digital learning infrastructure and strengthen teachers’ digital competencies.

Earlier, Bala Dada, UNICEF Representative at the training, commended IHS Nigeria for its investment in digital literacy training and school connectivity programmes, noting that enhanced digital literacy and improved internet access would support seamless participation in computer-based examinations such as UTME, WASSCE, NECO, and other digital learning opportunities.

“What IHS is doing with the Lagos State Ministry of Education is commendable. It is ensuring that teachers are better equipped and empowered with skills and tools such as routers, internet facilities, and other digital resources to positively impact school children and prepare them for the future,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Government, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, represented by Abiola Aberuagba, a director in the Ministry, acknowledged the various positive interventions being undertaken by IHS Nigeria across different sectors of the economy.

Dokunmu-Adegbite assured IHS Nigeria that its investment in digital literacy and school connectivity would be safeguarded and utilized effectively for the intended purpose.

She said: “Internet connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a critical enabler that will positively impact our students, accelerate digital literacy, and contribute significantly to the government’s digital economy agenda.”

Folawiyo George-Taylor, a teacher from Ikorodu Senior High School and one of the beneficiaries of the programme, said the initiative would greatly benefit both teachers and students by making teaching and learning more effective.

“It is a great opportunity for me personally to improve my ICT and digital literacy skills, as well as my overall understanding of technology-enabled learning,” she said.