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By Chinenye Anuforo
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Nigeria is battling a twin crisis of soaring numbers of out-of-school children and severe learning poverty.
In fact, statistics from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) paints a disturbing picture, one in three children is out of school in Nigeria, representing 10.2 million at the primary school level and 8.1 million children at the junior secondary level.
Moreover, a large number of Nigerian children, especially those from marginalised communities, face major challenges in acquiring foundational literacy and numeracy skills. The persistent gap has had a profound impact on the overall educational performance across the nation.
For instance, in April this year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released the results of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and the numbers were grim.
A staggering 76% of candidates failed to score above 200, a critical benchmark for university admission.
Experts have pointed to several factors behind the crisis, including insufficient funding for schools, deteriorating educational standards and a general decline in the quality of education.
However, this is not a recent development. In 2018, the number of successful UTME candidates dropped by nearly 3%, a troubling trend that seems to be worsening.
To overcome these challenges, the federal government launched the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), an advanced online learning platform with mobile and offline capabilities designed to provide continuous access to quality education, no matter the circumstances.
Unveiled initially as a response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the NLP has evolved into a powerful tool for delivering quality education to millions of Nigerian children. Developed through a collaborative effort involving UNICEF, the Federal and State Ministries of Education, and key partners like Microsoft, Airtel, and the Global Partnership for Education, the platform offers a wealth of curriculum-aligned resources, a comprehensive digital learning platform that provides access to a wide range of educational resources including interactive lessons, digital textbooks, and self-paced learning modules. Through interactive lessons, quizzes and videos, the NLP aims to engage learners and empower them to reach their full potential. By leveraging technology, the NLP is breaking down barriers to education and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn.
One of the most significant strengths of the NLP is its accessibility. The platform’s user-friendly interface and offline capabilities makes it suitable for learners in even the most remote areas of the country. This inclusivity is crucial in a nation with significant disparities in educational access.
The NLP is not just a repository of educational content; it is a dynamic tool that empowers both learners and teachers. Students can access personalized learning experiences, while teachers can leverage the platform to enhance their instructional strategies.
At Government Senior College Agege, 14-year-old Bolade Ayomide, an aspiring lawyer, was initially apprehensive about her transition to senior secondary school, particularly the required biology courses. However, the NLP has changed her perspective. “I was impressed by the selection of courses available on the platform, from biology to mathematics to entrepreneurial and secretarial studies,” she said. The interactive quizzes, videos, and animations have made complex concepts engaging and easy to understand.
The NLP’s impact extends beyond students. Teachers like Asimi Saheed Olajide at the same school as Ayomide have also benefited. “Our work as teachers is now less stressful,” he said. “Students can do most of the coursework at their own pace, even before coming to class.” Olajide added that students particularly enjoy the visual content, which brings subjects to life.
In Edo State, the NLP, under the “EdoBest” initiative, is revolutionizing teaching and learning. At Samuel Ogbemudia Secondary School, Geography teacher Akintunde Osaro noted that delivering lessons has become much easier and simpler.
Florence Kehinde Oriakhi, another teacher at the school, praised the tablet-based system for its efficiency and student engagement. “The era of students trying to guess our intentions is over,” she said. “The facts are there, clear and concise.”
The NLP’s success can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, offline capabilities and rich educational content. By providing personalized learning experiences and empowering both students and teachers, the platform is bridging the digital divide and ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education.
The NLP has reached a milestone of one million subscribers, demonstrating its widespread adoption and impact on Nigeria’s education landscape. As Ms. Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, stated, “Reaching one million subscribers on the Nigeria Learning Passport is a testament to our collective commitment to ensuring that every child in Nigeria has access to quality education, regardless of their location or circumstances. This platform is bridging the educational gap and providing opportunities for children to learn and thrive, especially in remote and underserved communities.”
Stakeholders are enthusiastic about the potential of the NLP to revolutionise education in Nigeria. They believe the platform can address several key challenges in the education sector, including: Accessibility, equity, quality education, personalized learning and teachers professional development.
Babagana Aminu, UNICEF Education Specialist, said NLP has been instrumental in providing equitable access to quality education, particularly in underserved areas. He said, “A substantial 91% of users have reported that NLP has positively influenced their education, leading to improved classroom confidence and acquisition of new knowledge.”
Dr. Aishatu Mohammed, education policy expert stated that, “The Nigeria Learning Passport is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in education. By providing equitable access to quality learning resources, it has the potential to transform the education landscape in Nigeria.”
On his own part, Jide Awe, ICT expert added that, “The platform’s offline capabilities are particularly impressive, as they ensure that learners in remote areas can continue their education. This is a game-changer for inclusive education.”
However, some challenges remain.
Mr. Yusuf Ahmed, a parent explained that, “While the platform is a great initiative, reliable internet connectivity remains a major hurdle, especially in rural areas.”
Miss Fatima Aliyu, a student said
“The platform is easy to use, but sometimes the loading times can be slow, especially when using mobile data.”
On future plans of the NLP, Aminu disclosed UNICEF and its partners have ambitious plans to further expand the reach and impact. He said, “The goal is to reach 10.6 million children and adolescents, train 678,000 teachers, and engage 567,000 parents and caregivers by 2028.”
He added the platform will continue to strengthen the education system, expand digital learning access, improve learning outcomes, and enhance employability skills, especially for girls”.
However, to maximize the impact of the Nigeria Learning Passport, Awe pointed out that the following steps are essential: “Investment in infrastructure which includes: Expanding internet connectivity to rural areas and provide devices to learners.
Offer regular training sessions for teachers and technical support for learners.”
Continuing, he added that it is important to continuously monitor the platform’s usage and impact to identify areas for improvement.
“It is also important to work with government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to expand the platform’s reach and impact”, he stated.
By addressing these challenges and building on its strengths, the Nigeria Learning Passport can truly revolutionize education in Nigeria and create a brighter future for its young people.
This report is produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.
