The Gombe State Ministry of Education, in partnership with United Nations Children’s Fund, has launched the Nigeria Learning Passport, a digital initiative aimed at reducing learning poverty, improving academic outcomes, and expanding access to education across the state.
With the rollout, Gombe State becomes the 24th state in the country to adopt the technology-driven platform, designed to support underserved learners and help tackle the challenge of out-of-school children.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique—represented by UNICEF Nigeria Learning Passport Coordinator, Dr. Harold Kpojime—described the platform as a strategic response to disruptions in education caused by the COVID-19.
She noted that the initiative is a collaborative effort involving UNICEF, Microsoft, and the Federal Ministry of Education, with support from the Global Partnership for Education.
Rafique praised the Gombe State Government’s commitment to educational reform, highlighting initiatives such as the declaration of a state of emergency in education and the implementation of a 10-year development plan.
She said the Learning Passport would complement these efforts by strengthening access to quality education and addressing learning gaps.
As part of the rollout, 100 tablets have been distributed and 30 technical personnel trained to drive implementation.
1000 beneficiaries targetted
Plans are also underway to extend the programme to at least 1,000 beneficiaries, creating a sustainable, locally relevant learning system aligned with global standards.
Also speaking, UNICEF Focal Officer at the state Ministry of Education, Mrs. Lami Garkwa, emphasised the importance of teacher capacity development.
She noted that over 70,000 teachers have already been trained nationwide.
Garkwa added that the platform supports local languages, including Hausa, to ensure broader accessibility.
In her remarks, the Executive Chairperson of the Gombe State Teachers Service Commission, Mrs. Naomi Maiguwa, described the initiative as a major boost for the state’s education sector and urged teachers, parents, and students to embrace the platform for improved learning outcomes.
