Gombe partners with UNICEF, Microsoft to drive digital education initiative

Gombe partners with UNICEF, Microsoft to drive digital education initiative

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

The Gombe State Government has partnered with UNICEF and Microsoft to launch the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), a digital platform aimed at expanding access to quality education and improving learning outcomes across the state.

The initiative, unveiled in Gombe, is designed to provide inclusive learning opportunities for children, particularly those in remote and underserved communities, by leveraging technology to bridge existing gaps in the education sector.

Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Head of Civil Service, Mu’azu Shehu, said the programme aligns with the administration’s vision of taking education beyond the conventional classroom setting.

“This initiative will ensure that every child in Gombe State, regardless of location, has access to quality, inclusive and continuous education through digital platforms,” he said.

He illustrated the potential impact of the platform with a simple example.

“Imagine a girl in Nafada who, with just a mobile phone, can access the same quality lessons as her counterparts in the Gombe metropolis. This is the promise of the Nigeria Learning Passport,” Shehu added.

Also speaking the Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafiq, represented by the Nigeria Learning Passport Coordinator, Dr. Harold Kpojime, described the initiative as a significant milestone in transforming education delivery in the state.

“The Nigeria Learning Passport is a transformative platform developed to respond to disruptions in education and to support learning continuity for millions of children,” he said.

He noted that the platform, which has already been deployed in several states, offers both online and offline access to curriculum-based materials, making it suitable for areas with limited internet connectivity.

Kpojime said early implementation in Gombe includes the provision of digital devices and training for technical teams, with plans underway to train about 1,000 teachers and connect selected schools across the state.

He also commended the state government’s commitment to education reforms, including measures aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving access to learning.

The initiative is being implemented with support from partners such as IHS Towers, TECNO and the Global Partnership for Education.

Also speaking, Lami Garkwa described the launch as more than just a technological rollout.

“Today, we are not just launching a digital platform; we are opening a door that will never be closed. This is a gateway to the future for every child,” she said.

She added that thousands of lessons aligned with the national curriculum are already available on the platform at no cost.

“Learning can no longer be confined to the four walls of the classroom. The goal is simple — to ensure that learning never stops,” she said.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Abubakar Hassan, said the state had begun training teachers to support effective implementation.

“Over the past few days, we have worked closely with partners to equip an initial group of teachers who will cascade this knowledge across schools in the state,” he said.

He added that the establishment of the state’s Information Technology Development Agency would further support digital transformation in education and public service delivery.

Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the initiative would improve literacy and numeracy outcomes while ensuring that children in Gombe are better prepared for the demands of a digital future.