Osun

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has intensified efforts to address school dropout rates and youth unemployment across Nigeria through the expansion of digital learning and skills development programmes. UNICEF Education Specialist, Mr. Harold Kpojime, disclosed this on Wednesday during a two-day media dialogue on digital learning, artificial intelligence, and skills development for out-of-school children held in Ede, Osun State. The programme was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Osun State Ministry of Education, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Global Partnership for Education, and other stakeholders. Kpojime said recent data revealed a growing number of out-of-school children despite relatively improved educational outcomes in the South-West geopolitical zone, noting that school completion rates continue to decline as learners progress from primary to junior and senior secondary school levels. Read Also: Quality is essential for national development, Ganduje declares at ARSO launch Accurate Data, Accountability Key to Social Protection Success — UNICEF NEMA warns 178 Kano communities of flood risk, lists 28 vulnerable LGAs According to him, teenagers at the secondary school level remain the most vulnerable group, with high dropout rates, low retention levels, and poor completion rates. He identified poverty, insecurity, early marriage, cultural practices, and weak school systems as some of the major factors contributing to school dropouts across the country. To address the challenge, Kpojime said UNICEF has continued to expand the use of the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP) and the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA), digital platforms designed to provide learning resources, entrepreneurship opportunities, and skills development programmes for young people. He explained that the Nigerian Learning Passport, which offers curriculum-aligned educational materials for learners and teachers, is currently operational in 24 states and has attracted about 2.34 million users nationwide. “The platform supports both learners and teachers because continuous training and upskilling of educators are essential to improving learning outcomes,” he said. Kpojime further disclosed that UNICEF and its development partners are strengthening digital access in schools through the provision of internet connectivity, digital devices, and teacher training programmes focused on digital literacy, blended learning, and artificial intelligence. According to him, more than 2,300 schools across the country have been connected through various digital learning initiatives, while over 14,700 tablets have been distributed to support teaching and learning activities. While acknowledging that access to digital devices remains a major challenge for many learners, he noted that a significant number of children currently access the platforms through devices owned by their parents or guardians. He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to expand digital access and improve learning opportunities for children and young people. Kpojime expressed optimism that the effective deployment of digital learning tools and data-driven solutions would help bridge existing education gaps, expand access to quality education, and create better economic opportunities for Nigerian youths. He reiterated that technology-driven education remains one of the most effective pathways for reducing learning inequalities and equipping young people with the skills required to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.