By Khalid Idris Bauchi
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Bauchi state Government to invest more in digital technology to enhance basic education and fully leverage the Digital Learning Program under the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP).
UNICEF Education Specialist, Bauchi Field Office, Abdulrahman Ado made the call during a one-day media dialogue to Celebrate the 2025 International Day of Education held in Toro local government area of Bauchi state. "For each ward, only 22 tablets were provided, we have a school that has over 5,000 students. Are 22 tablets enough?" Ado questioned, emphasizing the need for greater government commitment in allocating resources to fully implement the NLP for improving education.
Ado noted that with UNICEF's support, 55 schools, including integrated Quranic schools, have been equipped with digital tools, but considering the total number of schools in Bauchi State, this number is insufficient. He urged the government to establish a monitoring system to ensure that the provided gadgets are being used effectively and students are receiving quality digital education.
The NLP, launched in Bauchi in 2022, aims to leverage digital technology to improve learning outcomes in the state. UNICEF provided gadgets to establish an NLP studio, allowing Bauchi State teachers to develop their own learning content. However, Ado emphasized that the number of tablets, routers, and projectors provided is not enough, given the large number of schools and learners in Bauchi.
"We are calling on the government to procure additional tablets and gadgets so that we can reach more students and enhance educational access across the state," Ado said. He also emphasized the need for the Bauchi State Government to recruit new teachers using the Teacher Management Information System (TMIS) and provide training for teachers and head teachers.
The Director Planning Research and Statistics, Bauchi state Ministry of Education, Haj. Ai'shatu Aminu, stated that the main challenges in using the NLP program in schools in the state include the limited number of tablets, insufficient power sources, and issues with data availability. She disclosed that the program has distributed 1,110 tablets across 55 primary and junior secondary schools, 15 integrated Quranic schools, and 40 conventional schools.
Builder Adamu Y. Abdullahi, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at SUBEB, highlighted several challenges in integrating technology into basic education, including infrastructure gaps, lack of accessible facilities, and limited mobility in remote areas. "Digital technology has the potential to improve access to quality education, enhance learning outcomes, and better prepare students for the future," he emphasized.
Malam Yakubu Aminu Gayawa, Principal of Junior Government Secondary School Magama, stated that the NLP program has led to an increase in student enrollment, with over 900 students in the school benefiting. He expressed his gratitude to UNICEF and the Bauchi government for introducing the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP).
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Education