Nigeria learning platform users surpass 2.2 million as UNICEF-backed initiative expands digital education access nationwide

More than 2.2 million Nigerians have enrolled on the Nigerian Learning Passport as authorities and development partners intensify efforts to bridge the country’s learning poverty gap through technology-driven education initiatives.

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The Kaduna State Team Lead of the programme, Philip Mamman, disclosed this during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna.

Philip Mamman said the initiative, implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Global Partnership for Education and hosted by the Federal Ministry of Education, was designed to ensure that children across Nigeria can access quality learning opportunities regardless of location.

“The Nigerian Learning Passport is an online learning platform that tries to close the learning poverty gap, especially around literacy and numeracy,” he said.

“It allows every Nigerian child, whether in rural or urban areas, to access quality education.”

According to him, the platform can be accessed through Android devices, iPhones, laptops and desktop computers after registration through the application available on digital app stores.

Philip Mamman noted that the programme was officially launched in Abuja on March 24, 2022, by former President Muhammadu Buhari through the then Minister of State for Education.

He revealed that 24 states have already launched the programme, with Gombe becoming the latest state to join in April.

Describing it as the largest online learning platform in Africa, Mamman said the number of Nigeria learning platform users had continued to rise steadily nationwide.

“At the moment, we have about 2,278,000 users across Nigeria and the enrollment is still ongoing,” he said.

To address connectivity challenges in underserved communities, the programme is introducing offline learning hubs that allow children to access educational materials without internet access.

“We know there are communities without internet access. The offline hub allows learners in such areas to use the platform without the internet,” Mamman explained.

He added that about 70,000 teachers across Nigeria have already been trained on the use of the platform since its launch, while UNICEF continues to promote blended learning methods involving classroom instruction, digital technology and artificial intelligence tools.

The programme is also expected to expand to more than 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory in the near future, particularly to support out-of-school children.

Speaking at the event, Wilfred Mamah said Nigeria had made progress in child rights legislation but still faced major implementation challenges due to insecurity, poverty and inadequate access to education.

According to Wilfred Mamah, many children remain displaced or unable to attend school because of terrorism and violence affecting parts of the country.

“As we speak today, some children are still in the bush because of terrorism and insecurity,” he said.

“This is a day to celebrate children, but also to speak to the conscience of adults and leaders that we are not fully keeping the promises we made to them.”

He added that UNICEF continues to support Nigerian governments in areas including immunisation, nutrition, education, child protection and birth registration.

Wilfred Mamah also expressed concern about worsening malnutrition among children due to economic hardship, while revealing ongoing efforts to integrate western education into informal learning systems in Kaduna State.

The UNICEF official further disclosed that the agency is supporting child-friendly justice reforms and providing mental health support for children traumatised by insecurity and attacks on schools.

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The event, themed “Every Child Has the Right to Play,” was organised by Du Maries Productions with support from AFIT as part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and community engagement.