UNICEF urges Bauchi govt to invest in digital learning

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Bauchi State government to invest hugely in the digital revolution that has changed the face of learning globally.

The UN Agency during the commemoration of this year’s International Day of Education which is marked every January 24th, said that this year’s theme focuses on: “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation.” It said that the theme was to encourage reflections on the power of education to equip individuals and communities to navigate, understand and influence technological advancement.

An education specialist with UNICEF, Abdulrahman Ado, while speaking at a programme to mark the occasion in Toro on Friday, said that UNICEF had in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic introduced the Nigeria Learning Passport to allow children who were trapped in lockdown have access to learning virtually.

He said that UNICEF, in its local government areas of intervention in Bauchi State has noted 22 tablets, projectors, and internet connectivity to 55 schools where e-books and entrepreneur materials are embedded for both learners and teachers.

The Guardian observed that the gadgets were shared with primary school kids where audio and video materials were taught in line with the national curriculum.

Also, the Education Secretary of Toro local council, Ibrahim Shehu Musa, said the intervention has improved the academic performance of the learners while expressing optimism that the project would be expanded to other schools that are not benefiting.