UNICEF Expands Digital Education in Bauchi State to Improve Learning Outcomes

By DAYO ADESULU

UNICEF Drives Digital Learning in Bauchi Government Schools

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is intensifying efforts to advance digital education in government schools across Bauchi State. This initiative aims to bridge learning gaps, enhance educational outcomes, and address the shortage of qualified teachers in schools.

Digital Learning Initiative: Equipping Schools with Technology

UNICEF’s Education Specialist at the Bauchi Field Office, Abdulrahman Ado, revealed that since 2022, 55 selected schools have been equipped with 22 tablets each, preloaded with the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) platform. The NLP is a digital platform designed to provide foundational literacy, numeracy skills, and job-specific training for students.

Ado emphasized that digital education is crucial in mitigating challenges related to inadequate manpower in schools. “The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey found that three out of four children in Nigeria struggle with reading comprehension and solving basic math problems. By integrating digital learning, we can significantly improve these statistics,” he explained.

Key Benefits of the Nigeria Learning Passport

• Enhanced Learning Outcomes – Digital tools support better engagement and comprehension.
• Offline Accessibility – Ensures learning continuity even in areas with limited internet access.
• Skill Development – Provides life skills and job-specific training for students.
• Teacher Training Support – Equips educators with the tools needed to enhance classroom experiences.

Government Urged to Strengthen IT Infrastructure

UNICEF has called on the Bauchi State government to invest in strengthening Information Technology infrastructure, securing school facilities, and improving power supply to ensure seamless digital learning. Ado also urged state authorities to prioritize training teachers and headteachers in the Education Management Information System (EMIS) for efficient data monitoring and quality assurance.

Aisha Amin, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, confirmed that the EMIS training is in its final phase. She reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that educators at both state and local government levels are well-trained in utilizing this system effectively.

Positive Impact on Students and Educators

Yakubu Gayawa, a principal at one of the benefiting Junior Secondary Schools in Magama-Gumau, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that the partnership between the Bauchi State government and UNICEF has created an enabling environment for enhanced learning experiences.

With continued investment in digital education, Bauchi State is poised to bridge the educational gap, ensuring that students receive quality learning experiences despite infrastructural and manpower challenges.

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