Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched the Nigeria Learning Passport, a digital education platform aimed at expanding access to quality learning resources and strengthening digital learning across the state.

Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola, launched the platform at the Conference Room of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

The Nigeria Learning Passport provides learners and teachers with access to curriculum-aligned educational content through digital devices, enabling learning beyond the traditional classroom.

Speaking at the event, Makinde said the launch was more than the introduction of a digital platform, describing it as another significant step in the state government’s determination to build an education system capable of preparing children and teachers for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century.

He said the initiative would help address some of the challenges affecting the education sector, including limited access to quality learning resources, teacher shortages and disruptions to learning.

The governor said the adoption of the platform reflected the administration’s commitment to using technology to improve educational outcomes and widen access to learning opportunities.

Also speaking, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, highlighted priorities required to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the Nigeria Learning Passport in the state.

Lafoucriere stressed the need to prioritise teachers and learners in rural and underserved communities, particularly areas with limited electricity and network coverage, to ensure that no child was left behind.

She said deliberate attention to communities facing the greatest barriers would be critical to achieving the objectives of the digital learning initiative.

 Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Kemi Adeosun; Chairperson of the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs Olubukola Oladipo; Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, Ajibola Hassan; and President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Oyo State Branch,  Abdulahi Fasasi, commended the state government for adopting the initiative.

They said the platform would strengthen the education system by providing learners with additional digital learning resources and equipping teachers with materials to complement classroom instruction.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Bamidele Oyinloye; Special Adviser to the governor on Education Intervention, Oloye Suraj Tiamiyu; and Executive Assistant to the governor on Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA), Hon. Olatoye Olajide, also commended Makinde’s commitment to education development in the state.

They said the governor had consistently demonstrated an understanding that education was an investment capable of driving the state’s development.

The event featured a panel discussion on digital learning and the presentation of learning devices to beneficiaries.

The Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to provide teachers and learners in Oyo State with additional access to educational resources and support the integration of digital tools into teaching and learning.