Abuja: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is intensifying its efforts to tackle the rising issue of school dropout syndrome and youth unemployment across Nigeria by broadening its digital learning and skills development initiatives.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a UNICEF Education Specialist, Mr. Harold Kpojime, emphasized the organization’s commitment to addressing these challenges during a two-day media dialogue on digital learning, artificial intelligence, and skills development for out-of-school children. The event, which commenced in Ede, Osun, was organized in collaboration with the Osun State Ministry of Education, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission, and the Global Partnership for Education, among others.
Kpojime highlighted recent data indicating an increase in out-of-school children, despite relatively improved educational outcomes in Nigeria’s South-West Geopolitical Zone. He noted a steady decline in school completion rates as students progressed from primary to junior and senior secondary schools, making teenagers particularly susceptible to dropping out.
He explained that UNICEF’s focus is on addressing factors contributing to school dropout rates, such as poverty, insecurity, early marriage, cultural practices, and weak school systems. Kpojime stressed the importance of concentrating efforts on secondary school teenagers to counteract low completion rates and poor retention.
UNICEF has introduced the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP) and Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA) platforms nationwide. Through these platforms, young people can access learning materials, entrepreneurship opportunities, and skills development programs aimed at enhancing future employability.
The NLP, offering curriculum-aligned resources for both learners and teachers, is active in 24 states and has attracted 2.34 million users. The platform supports both learners and educators by recognizing the necessity for continuous retraining and upskilling of teachers.
UNICEF and its partners are also working on improving digital access in schools by distributing devices and enhancing internet connectivity. Kpojime mentioned ongoing initiatives to support teacher training in digital literacy, blended learning, and artificial intelligence, as well as efforts to keep schools connected with monthly data support.
Collaboration with partners has led to the connectivity of over 2,300 schools and the distribution of more than 14,700 tablets across the nation. Despite challenges in device accessibility for many learners, Kpojime pointed out that students often use devices belonging to their parents or guardians, emphasizing the need for expanded digital access.
Kpojime called for strengthened collaboration among governments, development partners, and other stakeholders, underscoring that digital learning remains vital in bridging education and employment gaps. He expressed optimism that utilizing digital learning and data-driven solutions will allow Nigeria to bridge educational disparities, enhance access to quality learning, and create improved opportunities for children and youths.