By Felix Khanoba
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education is celebrating a significant milestone as the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) platform reaches 500,000 users.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
Munduate said the achievement underscored the platform’s commitment to offer tailored educational pathways that cater for a diverse range of users including students, teachers, parents, and caregivers.
“Reaching half a million users is not just a number; it reflects the impact we are making in ensuring every child and young individual in Nigeria gets the opportunity to learn, regardless of their circumstance.
“Our goal, in collaboration with FME, is to reach 1.5 million NLP users by the end of 2024, and with the unwavering support from our partners, we are well on our way,” she said.
She added that digital learning had emerged as the future of education, and by investing in the Nigeria Learning Passport, Nigeria is paving the way for children and young adults to thrive in a digital economy.
According to her, the NLP offers interactive simulations and cutting-edge courses in fields such as computer and agricultural science, empowering the younger generation with the requisite skills for the future.
She said teachers would benefit immensely from the platform by accessing invaluable resources for professional development, ensuring that they are adequately equipped to provide dynamic and interactive learning experiences.
“Parents and caregivers are not left out, as they can support their child’s learning trajectory, starting from an early age with the platform’s playful learning courses,” she said.
She quoted a 14-year old student of the Government Senior College Agege, Lagos, Miss Bolade Ayomide, to have commended the platform saying it had benefitted both learners and teachers in accessing educational resources.
“l stay on top of my class work at home or school, and I like that they are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the NLP platform.
“I was impressed at the selection of courses available on the NLP platform- everything from biology to mathematics to entrepreneurial and secretarial studies,” said Ayomide.
Launched in March 2022 by FME, UNICEF and powered by Microsoft, the NLP now operates actively across 18 states.
The platform has over 15,000 curriculum-aligned resources available in English, Hausa, lgbo and Yoruba languages to boast a versatile offering.
Users can also track their progress and achievements via the platform’s personal learning record.
