Jamilu Abubakar
The Gombe State Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state, a digital learning platform designed to reduce learning poverty, improve education outcomes, and expand access to quality education, particularly for underserved children.
The initiative also aims to address the growing number of out-of-school children by leveraging technology to strengthen learning delivery. With the launch, Gombe becomes the 24th state in Nigeria to adopt the platform.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafiquemrepresented by the UNICEF NLP Coordinator, Dr. Harold Kpojime described the platform as a strategic response to learning disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that the Nigeria Learning Passport is a joint initiative of UNICEF, Microsoft, and the Federal Ministry of Education, supported by the Global Partnership for Education, aimed at improving access to inclusive and quality learning opportunities.
Dr. Rafique commended the Gombe State Government for its education reforms, including the declaration of a state of emergency in education and the development of a 10-year education plan, describing them as key steps toward tackling learning poverty in the state.
She disclosed that 100 tablets have been deployed for the programme, while 30 technical personnel have been trained to support implementation. According to her, the initiative will be scaled up to reach at least 1,000 beneficiaries, with the goal of building a sustainable digital learning ecosystem tailored to local needs while meeting global standards.
Also speaking, the UNICEF Focal Officer at the Gombe State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Lami Garkwa, emphasised the importance of teacher capacity development to the success of the platform. She noted that over 70,000 teachers have been trained nationwide and highlighted that the platform supports local languages, including Hausa, to enhance accessibility for learners.
In her remarks, the Executive Chairperson of the Gombe State Teachers Service Commission, Mrs. Naomi Maiguwa, described the initiative as a major milestone in strengthening the education sector in the state. She urged teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to embrace the platform to improve learning outcomes for children.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to enhance digital learning delivery, bridge educational gaps, and provide equitable access to quality education across Gombe State.