By Terna Chikpa
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Taraba State Ministry of Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education, on Wednesday launched the Nigeria Learning Passport across 50 pilot schools to enable students, particularly those in crisis-affected areas, to access education.
UNICEF also commended the Taraba State Government for its educational reforms, citing the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas for its policies on free and compulsory basic and secondary education, the abolition of illegal school fees and the distribution of free learning materials.
The UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Bauchi, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, gave the commendation during the official launch of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in Jalingo.
Rafique, who was represented by the Education Officer at UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Raphael Aiyedipe, noted that the state’s proactive educational policies had contributed to an increase in student enrolment from approximately 760,000 to more than one million pupils since the inception of the current administration.
She also applauded the government for promoting inclusive education for children with special needs while strengthening teacher recruitment and professional development.
According to her, the rollout of the digital learning platform was made possible through collaborations with Microsoft, the Global Partnership for Education, Airtel, IHS Towers and TECNO.
She said the programme was designed to dismantle connectivity barriers, reduce the number of out-of-school children and guarantee learning continuity in vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, reiterated that education remained the cornerstone of sustainable development and national progress.
Represented by the Head of Service, Dr Hamidu Kara, the governor said his administration would continue to ensure that every child in the state had access to quality education.
He said, “The Nigeria Learning Passport represents a bold step forward in our commitment to ensure that no child is left behind in their educational journey, especially in these challenging times.”
He further explained that the innovative platform would provide flexible, accessible and inclusive learning opportunities, particularly for children affected by crises or disruptions to traditional schooling, in line with the government’s free education agenda.
He called on stakeholders, teachers and students to embrace, promote and utilise the platform.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education, Dr Augustina Godwin, announced that the pilot phase of the programme would commence in 50 schools across the state.
She assured that the government would work towards expanding the initiative to more schools to enable more students across the state to benefit.