UNICEF Launches Digital Learning Platform In Imo

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched a digital learning platform in Imo State, as part of efforts to expand access to quality education across Nigeria.

The initiative, known as the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), marks the 25th state-level rollout of the platform nationwide.

The event, held on Wednesday in Owerri, brought together state officials, development partners, private sector representatives, teachers, learners, and members of the media.

UNICEF Chief of Field Office (CFO) Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, who represented the organisation at the ceremony, described the launch as a “landmark occasion” for Imo State.

She said the rollout forms part of a broader effort to drive digital transformation in the education sector through collaboration between government and development partners.

The Nigeria Learning Passport was developed through a partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria, UNICEF, and Microsoft, with support from the Global Partnership for Education. It was initially expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to support remote learning and has since grown nationwide.

Chiluwe noted that more than 2.3 million learners are currently enrolled across Nigeria since the national rollout began in March 2022.

She commended the Imo State Government for its commitment to education through technology, citing the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA 2022–2026) as evidence of efforts to promote digital literacy and ICT integration in schools.

According to her, the platform is designed to reach learners in both urban and hard-to-reach communities, with offline and online functionality to ensure wider access.

UNICEF also highlighted zero-rated access for Airtel users as a key step in reducing data costs, while acknowledging support from partners including Microsoft, the Global Partnership for Education, Airtel, IHS Towers, and TECNO.

The organisation said its focus in Imo would go beyond platform deployment to building a sustainable and inclusive education system, including aligning content with the national curriculum, localising materials, and training teachers to effectively use digital tools in classrooms.

UNICEF stressed that technology alone cannot solve education inequality, urging the state government to continue investing in connectivity, devices, and monitoring systems.

It outlined areas of collaboration with the state, including expanding school connectivity, strengthening accountability in device distribution, and improving technical support across local government areas.

Teachers and learners participated both physically and virtually at the event, reflecting the hybrid learning approach promoted by the programme.

UNICEF said the initiative is aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving literacy and numeracy outcomes in Imo State.

Speaking at the event, Philip Mamman, Team Lead of the NLP, said the programme was designed to support Nigeria’s ongoing education digitalisation drive.

He described the platform as user-friendly and confirmed it is available for download on mobile application stores.

Mamman added that Airtel subscribers can access the platform without using mobile data, while noting that trained educators across schools in Imo have been selected to train others and expand adoption in classrooms.