By Iroyin Yoruba Television
ABUJA, NIGERIA — A digital learning partnership involving the Federal Government, UNICEF and Airtel Africa has expanded access to educational platforms and skills development opportunities in nearly 2,000 schools across Nigeria, reaching approximately one million students and more than 20,000 teachers.
The initiative is designed to improve access to digital education, strengthen teachers’ skills and help young Nigerians acquire knowledge that can support further education, employment and entrepreneurship.
During recent visits to schools and youth programmes in Lagos and Abuja, representatives of the partnership observed how students and teachers were using digital learning resources, including artificial intelligence tools, in classroom activities.
The delegation visited Government Senior College in Agege and St George’s U.N.A. Primary School, where learners and educators demonstrated the use of digital platforms to support teaching and learning.
The programme also supports young people through initiatives intended to build employability and entrepreneurship skills. At Yaba College of Technology, participants demonstrated how digital platforms were being used to access learning resources, mentorship, internships and livelihood opportunities.
More than 19,000 teachers have received digital literacy training through the partnership, helping educators develop the skills needed to incorporate digital resources into their teaching.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is among the platforms supported by the initiative. It has attracted more than 2.5 million registered students and nearly 100,000 registered teachers, providing access to digital educational content.
Other supported platforms include the Federal Ministry of Education’s Inspire and Ignite learning platforms, the Digital National Education Management Information System and the Youth Agency Marketplace, known as YOMA.
A key feature of the programme is the provision of free access to selected educational platforms through zero-rated data services. This arrangement is intended to reduce the cost of internet access for learners using the supported resources.
UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Rownak Khan, said access to digital learning could help connect children and young people with educational and economic opportunities.
She also emphasised the need to strengthen teachers’ capacity, expand access to quality digital content, protect children online and ensure that learners can benefit regardless of where they live.
During the Abuja visit, the delegation met with officials from the Office of the Vice President and the Federal Ministry of Education to discuss connectivity, the quality of digital learning materials, teacher training, inclusive education and online safety.
The expansion comes as digital education becomes increasingly important for learners seeking access to educational resources beyond traditional classroom settings. Online platforms can supplement teaching, provide additional learning materials and help students develop digital skills.
However, expanding access does not automatically guarantee improved learning outcomes. Reliable connectivity, suitable devices, teacher support, accessible content and safeguards for children’s privacy remain important for effective implementation.
The partnership’s next challenge will be ensuring that students and teachers can use the available tools consistently and that the benefits extend to underserved communities.
The programme has expanded digital learning access to nearly 2,000 Nigerian schools, with partners focusing on teacher training, educational content and opportunities for young people to develop practical skills.