Gombe State has joined the growing list of Nigerian states leveraging digital learning innovation following the official launch of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), a platform developed to transform education delivery in the country
Speaking at the launch on Thursday, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi, Dr. Nazhat Rafique, represented by the UNICEF NLP Coordinator, Dr. Harold Kpojime, described the initiative as a strategic response to global education disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Rafique, “the Nigeria Learning Passport, a collaborative initiative of UNICEF and Microsoft, emerged as a vital response to the unprecedented educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected over 1.6 billion learners globally.”
The CFO noted that the platform was subsequently adapted for Nigeria through collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), UNICEF, and with support from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), adding that the national rollout began in March 2022.
“I am glad to announce that Gombe State is becoming the 24th state to embrace the Nigeria Learning Passport,” she said.
Rafique commended the Gombe State Government for its sustained investment in education, describing its approach as “strategic and holistic.”
“Gombe State has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the education sector through strategic investments across all levels. The declaration of a State of Emergency in education and the development of a 10-year education plan are particularly commendable,” she stated.
She further highlighted other initiatives by the state, including the State Education Sector Operational Plan, the domestication of frameworks to reduce out-of-school children, and the establishment of the Safe Schools Committee.
“These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to child welfare and educational development,” she added.
Providing updates on implementation, Rafique revealed that significant groundwork had already been laid for the rollout in the state.
“So far, 100 tablets have been deployed, and 30 technical team members have been trained. This team is expected to cascade knowledge to at least 1,000 beneficiaries in the coming months,” she explained.
He stressed that the initiative goes beyond digital content delivery, focusing on building a sustainable learning ecosystem.
“Our mission goes far beyond developing a data platform. It is about creating a sustainable system that resonates with children in their local context while aligning with global learning standards,” she said.
Also speaking, UNICEF Focal Officer at the Gombe State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Lami Garkwa, emphasized the importance of teacher development in driving the success of the platform.
“Having already trained over 70,000 teachers nationwide, our goal in Gombe is to equip local educators with digital literacy and innovative teaching methods, transforming them into 21st-century mentors,” she said.
She noted that the platform has been designed to reflect Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
“To ensure inclusivity, the Nigeria Learning Passport is built for Nigeria. It supports local languages, including Hausa, making learning accessible to every household,” she added.
Garkwa also called on students, teachers, and parents to actively utilise the platform.
“To our students, this platform is your passport to becoming doctors, engineers, and leaders. Explore it, use it, and own it. To teachers and parents, we urge you to champion its use and encourage children to engage with the over 2.3 million learners already registered nationwide,” she said.
She added that the initiative aligns with global and national education priorities.
“This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 and Nigeria’s national digital education agenda. It demonstrates that technology in education is not a luxury for a few, but a right for all,” she said.
The UNICEF officials expressed appreciation to the Gombe State Government and development partners, including Microsoft, Airtel, and other supporting organisations, for their roles in making the initiative a reality.
Mrs Naomi Maiguwa, Executive Chairperson of the Gombe State Teachers Service Commission, while lauding the launch, said: “The vision is in our hands; we must not allow it to die in our hands. This is about the progress of our state and our children.”
