In a major step towards transforming basic education, the Taraba State government has partnered with EIDU to deliver improved learning outcomes to over 10,000 children in two local councils, using an innovative, AI-powered digital learning platform.

The initiative, which commenced with the training of 500 teachers as master trainers, is designed to address the growing challenge of learning poverty among school-age children.

Learning poverty, defined as the inability of a child to read and understand a simple English passage or solve basic mathematics problems by the age of 10, remains a critical issue across the country.

Flagging off the first phase of the programme in Jalingo, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Augustina Godwin, described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at modernising classroom delivery and improving learning outcomes.

“This programme will equip our teachers with the digital skills and tools required to transform classroom instruction and deliver better results for our children,” she said, noting that Jalingo and Ardo-Kola Local Councils have been selected as pilot centres.

Under the initiative, the selected teachers would serve as master trainers, cascading their knowledge to other educators across the state, and driving a broader transformation in teaching practices.

EIDU, which has a strong track record of improving learning outcomes in underserved communities, is deploying its AI-powered digital learning solution in participating schools.

Speaking at the event, Permanent Member II of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Zachariah John, described the programme as “a bold step toward repositioning basic education in Taraba for the demands of a digital age.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Idris A. Goje, noted that the rollout aligns with the education reform agenda of Governor Agbu Kefas, adding that the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to providing life-changing education for children across the state.

Reinforcing the government’s position, Special Adviser on Education to the Governor, Samaila Dauda Agbu, emphasised the importance of investing in teachers as a pathway to improving student outcomes.

The Taraba–EIDU partnership represents the first phase of a broader rollout that would be expanded to reach more children across the state in the coming months.