The Imo State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), a digital learning platform aimed at expanding access to quality education and improving learning outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved communities across the state.

The platform was officially unveiled in Owerri on Thursday, with UNICEF describing the initiative as a significant step toward building an inclusive and sustainable digital learning ecosystem in Imo State.

Speaking at the launch, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, represented by Mr. Believe Eke, said the programme reflects UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the state’s efforts to enhance education through technology-driven solutions.

She assured that UNICEF would continue to support initiatives aimed at expanding digital connectivity, increasing access to technological devices, strengthening accountability mechanisms and investing in teacher capacity development to ensure every child in Imo has access to quality education.

Chiluwe explained that the Nigeria Learning Passport is a collaborative initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, UNICEF and Microsoft. According to her, the platform has already been adopted in 25 states and has enrolled more than 2.5 million learners nationwide.

She commended the Imo State Government for prioritising education and digital transformation, noting that ongoing investments in digital literacy, connectivity and ICT integration are positioning the state for improved educational outcomes and a more competitive workforce.

“Together with Microsoft, GPE, Airtel, HIS Towers, Tecno and the Government of Imo State, UNICEF is working to ensure that every child has access to quality learning opportunities. The platform’s online and offline functionality, coupled with zero-rated access for Airtel users, helps remove barriers for learners, including those in underserved communities,” she said.

Declaring the event open, Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. B.O.T. Ikegwoha, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing sustainable and quality education, especially for disadvantaged children across the state.

The governor, who highlighted the educational institutions established by his administration since assuming office, also commended the Federal Ministry of Education for its contributions to the development of the education sector and encouraged students to maximise the opportunities provided by the digital platform.

Uzodimma also praised UNICEF for its continued support to child development and education in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB), Hon. Chidiebere Egboh, and the Director for UNICEF and NGOs at IMSUBEB, Dr. Mrs. Chinwe Adim-Madumere, described the Nigeria Learning Passport as a digital gateway to education and a virtual library containing more than 16,000 curriculum-aligned lesson guides, instructional videos and quizzes accessible through smartphones, tablets and computers.

Egboh said the platform addresses longstanding challenges affecting equitable access to education, including the high cost of printing learning materials, difficulties in reaching remote schools and expensive internet services.

“The Nigeria Learning Passport is the answer to the challenges we face in delivering equitable education. It brings a world-class, curriculum-aligned library directly to our students. By being completely free of data charges on major networks and through offline hardware deployment to schools without internet connectivity, we are eliminating every excuse for any child to be left behind,” he said.

Adim-Madumere added that all learning materials from Primary One to Senior Secondary School Three have been uploaded and organised on the platform in both English and Igbo languages. She noted that the system functions online and offline and was developed by UNICEF and Microsoft in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to ensure uninterrupted learning.

The launch attracted key education stakeholders and development partners, including the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Victor Nwachukwu; Commissioner for Digital Technology and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi; Executive Secretary of the Secondary Education Management Board, Mrs. Okwu; and IMSUBEB member representing Owerri Zone, Hon. Eddy Obinna.

Also present were officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, representatives of civil society organisations, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Airtel, Zenith Bank, school administrators and other stakeholders in the education sector.