From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has launched the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) to support education for students and teaching in Osun State.
The platform was designed by UNICEF and Microsoft during the COVID-19 pandemic to address learning challenges caused by mandatory social distancing.
The UNICEF representative, Babangana Aminu, speaking at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium, UNIOSUN Campus, Osogbo, on Thursday during the launch, stated that the digital platform would enhance teacher training for optimal classroom performance.
Aminu described the event as a significant collaboration between UNICEF and Osun State in the education sector, noting that Osun is the 21st state to join the global movement to reimagine education through the NLP.
He explained that the Learning Passport was developed globally by UNICEF and Microsoft during the COVID-19 pandemic, when 1.6 billion learners were unable to access education. Since 2022, the project has enrolled 1,478,984 students.
“The Learning Passport is available for free online, on mobile, and on offline devices. Osun is the 21st state to officially launch the Nigeria Learning Platform,” Aminu said.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented at the event by the Head of Service, Samuel Aina, stated that his administration had formulated strategic steps to revitalise education in the state.
He thanked UNICEF and other partners for their support, assuring attendees that his government was committed to endorsing any policy aimed at improving education in the state.
“My people, we are here today to launch the Nigeria Learning Passport, a new solution designed to close the learning poverty gap. This is an online, mobile, and offline technology platform enabling high-quality, flexible learning.
“This platform ensures continuous access to education for children, youths, and teachers around the world. The Passport project drives improved learning outcomes through high-quality, portable education to support their entry into other opportunity pathways, including formal education.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Muritala Jimoh, described the Learning Passport as a significant achievement in Osun’s education sector. He added that the state is now open to collaboration with development partners and donor agencies.