UNICEF, Airtel Africa Partnership Empower 600,000 Nigerian Children With Digital Learning.

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UNICEF, Airtel Africa, and the Ministry of Education have made significant strides in bridging the digital education gap in Nigeria, reaching nearly 600,000 children in 1,260 schools. This trailblazing campaign aims to provide standardised education through innovative technology, ensuring all students have access to quality learning opportunities.

According to Sunil Taldar, Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, “Education is critical for Africa’s future, with 40 percent of the population below 16 years. Our work with UNICEF ensures standardised digital learning through the Nigeria Learning Passport, providing connectivity and devices to students and teachers.”.

Taldar emphasised the importance of education, stating, “If you look at Africa, 40 percent of the population is below 16 years, and therefore education is very, very critical for the future of these children.” He commended the Ministry of Education and the Universal State Education Board, highlighting the progress made in the partnership’s third year.

Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF’s Chief of Lagos Office, emphasised the program’s sustainability, noting that technical support ensures continued access to digital learning tools. She confirmed that 1.8 million learners are now registered on the Nigeria Learning Passport, with expansion plans for 2025.

Lafoucriere stressed the importance of education, saying, “We also do that for access to water and sanitation, health, nutrition, etc. Education is a very important point because, without education, you may not have the basic services available. If you don’t have an education, you cannot have a decent livelihood for yourself”

Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Lagos State, highlighted the state’s project, which uses digital technology to deploy teaching and learning content into the school system. He emphasised the importance of sustainability, noting that gadgets are not forever and require repair and replacement.

The Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) is an online, mobile, and soon-to-be offline learning platform that provides continuous access to quality education. This initiative is part of a broader partnership between Airtel Africa and UNICEF to connect schools to the internet and ensure free access to learning platforms across 13 countries.

The partnership has been instrumental in providing digital learning opportunities to students in Nigeria, with a focus on reaching remote and underserved areas. The Nigeria Learning Passport has been designed to provide standardised education, and its online and mobile platforms ensure that students can access quality learning materials anywhere, anytime.

According to Lafoucriere, “The Nigeria Learning Passport is a game-changer for education in Nigeria. It provides a standardised curriculum, and its online and mobile platforms make it accessible to students everywhere.”

Taldar added, “Our partnership with UNICEF is a testament to our commitment to education and digital inclusion. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education, and we are proud to be playing a part in making that a reality.”

The partnership between Airtel Africa and UNICEF is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in education. By providing digital learning opportunities to students in Nigeria and other countries, the partnership is helping to ensure that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their location or background.

As Lafoucriere noted, “Education is the key to unlocking the potential of Africa’s children. By providing digital learning opportunities, we can help to level the playing field and ensure that every child has the chance to succeed.”

The partnership between Airtel Africa and UNICEF is a shining example of what can be achieved when organisations come together to address the challenges facing education in Africa. By working together, we can help to ensure that every child has access to quality education and the opportunities they deserve.

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