UNICEF has launched the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in Imo State, marking the 25th state-level rollout of the digital learning platform designed to expand access to quality education across Nigeria.
The event, held in Owerri yesterday brought together state officials, development partners, private sector representatives, teachers, learners and members of the media.
Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, UNICEF Chief of Field Office (CFO) Enugu, described the launch as a “landmark occasion” for the state.
She highlighted the partnership behind the NLP and framed the rollout as part of a broader push toward digital transformation in education.
The Nigeria Learning Passport was developed through collaboration between the Federal Government of Nigeria, UNICEF and Microsoft, with support from the Global Partnership for Education.
Originally scaled up in response to the education disruption caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic, the platform has since grown nationwide.
Chiluwe noted that the national rollout began in March 2022 and that over 2.3 million learners are now enrolled across the country.
Imo State was praised for demonstrating “commendable leadership and sustained commitment” to strengthening education through technology.
The state’s Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA 2022–2026) was cited as evidence of this commitment, with its emphasis on digital literacy in schools and integration of information and communication technology into teaching and learning.
Speakers at the launch underscored that the NLP’s design — including online and offline functionality — is intended to reach learners in a variety of settings, including hard‑to‑reach communities.
UNICEF highlighted zero‑rated access for Airtel users as one practical step that reduces data cost barriers, while partners such as Microsoft, the Global Partnership for Education, Airtel, IHS Towers and TECNO were acknowledged for their roles in widening access.
Beyond platform deployment, UNICEF said its engagement in Imo will focus on building a sustainable and inclusive learning ecosystem.
“That includes aligning NLP content with the Nigerian curriculum, adapting materials to local contexts and languages, and providing structured training to teachers so they can effectively integrate digital tools into classroom practice.”
UNICEF also stressed that technology alone will not solve longstanding equity challenges.
Chiluwe urged the Imo State Government to sustain investments in connectivity, devices and oversight. UNICEF outlined key areas where it will work with the state: scaling access through school connectivity and devices; strengthening monitoring and accountability to ensure devices reach intended users; and committing to continued expansion of technical support across local government areas.
Teachers and learners participated both in person and virtually, underscoring the hybrid nature of modern education efforts promoted by the NLP.
UNICEF described the Imo launch as an important step toward reducing the number of out‑of‑school children and improving foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes across the state.
As the partnership moves forward, UNICEF reiterated its readiness to support Imo’s administration in scaling and sustaining digital learning so it benefits girls and learners in rural and underserved communities rather than widening existing disparities.
In his comment, Philip Mamman, Team Lead, NLP and facilitator for the training, said the programme was borne out of the need to carry the Nigeria education ecosystem along in digitalization.
He described the platform as user friendly adding that it is available on App Store and can be downloaded using internet enabled devices.
He added that airtel users can access the platform without mobile data.
He also said that internet savvy educators were selected from schools across the state so that they would be able to impart the knowledge to other teachers who would in turn teach students in their various schools.
