Education stakeholders in Benue State have lauded the collaborative efforts of the state government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered digital learning platforms to enhance the quality of education in the state.
The initiative, anchored by the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), provides high-quality digital education to empower school children and teachers. The platform ensures continuous learning, even beyond the confines of traditional classrooms, and aims to integrate AI and technology into the state’s education system.
The NLP, a partnership between UNICEF and the Federal Government, has been instrumental in setting the stage for AI adaptation in teaching and learning. This move aligns with the 2025 International Day of Education theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”
Stakeholders’ Commendation
Speaking about the initiative, Michael Agaba, a representative of the Educational Management Information System (EMIS) Unit in Benue’s Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, highlighted its transformative impact.
“The Nigeria Learning Passport has been a game-changer for our students and teachers,” Agaba stated. “UNICEF has donated significant resources, including 660 tablets in 2023, to support digital learning in our schools. These devices have helped students and teachers register and access the platform effectively.”
In addition to tablets, Agaba noted that UNICEF provided 30 laptops in 2023 and another 50 in 2024. These laptops were distributed to schools for network connectivity, allowing them to register more students and teachers on the platform. To further support the initiative, the organization supplied data for one year, ensuring seamless internet access for participating schools.
Teacher Training and Capacity Building
Agaba also emphasized the importance of teacher training as part of the initiative. “UNICEF has conducted training sessions in Otukpo, Vandeikya, and Logo Local Government Areas to equip teachers with the skills needed to utilize the NLP platform. This empowers them to deliver quality education enhanced by AI and technology,” he said.
A New Era for Education in Benue
Stakeholders agree that the NLP is revolutionizing education in the state. The platform not only bridges the digital divide but also fosters a learning environment where both students and teachers can thrive.
As Benue State embraces this innovative approach, the partnership between the government and UNICEF continues to lay a solid foundation for a tech-driven future in education, ensuring that no child is left behind in the journey toward knowledge and development.