From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
As part of activities to mark the 2026 International Day of Education, titled “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education”, the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF has intensified support for Nigeria’s Smart School Initiative as part of efforts to bridge the digital divide and significantly improve learning outcomes across the country by 2030.
The initiative prioritises digital infrastructure, teacher capacity building and access to quality digital learning content for children and young people, especially those in underserved communities in states including Benue.
Acknowledging this, the Principal of UBEC Model Smart School Adaka, Makurdi, Mr. Ogbaji Enyi noted the role of UNICEF experts in several trainings undertaken for teachers in the school.
He also, noted that knowledge acquired in such trainings have helped in small measure to boost the capacity of teachers in the school.
UNICEF’s intervention is designed to strengthen both formal and non-formal education systems, ensuring that no child is left behind in Nigeria’s transition to technology-driven learning. By combining innovation with inclusive policies, the programme aims to create classrooms that are better equipped for the demands of the 21st century.
It was gathered that a major pillar of the support is the provision of digital infrastructure and connectivity in schools. Through partnerships with organisations such as IHS and Airtel, UNICEF is facilitating access to internet services, routers and alternative energy solutions, including solar power installations in states like Enugu.
“Access to reliable electricity and internet connectivity is foundational to digital learning. By supporting solar-powered and connected schools, we are helping to create learning environments where children can thrive regardless of location,” a UNICEF official said
Another critical focus area is teacher capacity building. UNICEF has been facilitating digital literacy and blended learning training for educators, equipping them with the skills needed to effectively use digital tools in the classroom.
According to programme data, over 250 teachers have been trained in Osun State, while more than 500 teachers have benefitted from similar capacity-building programmes in Niger State. These efforts are aimed at empowering teachers to confidently integrate technology into lesson delivery.
At the centre of UNICEF’s digital learning strategy is the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), a free, curriculum-aligned online platform that provides learners with access to more than 10,000 interactive digital resources.
“The Nigeria Learning Passport is a game changer. It provides quality, engaging content for learners, including those in non-formal education centres who would otherwise have limited access to structured learning materials,” the official noted.
UNICEF is also promoting pedagogical innovation through the introduction of “Learning Labs” in states such as Borno, Kaduna and Lagos. These labs provide in-school, needs-based support for teachers, moving away from one-off workshops to continuous, practical mentoring.
The approach, UNICEF explained, allows teachers to receive real-time support tailored to their classroom challenges, thereby improving teaching quality and student engagement.
In addition, UNICEF is working closely with key government agencies and development partners, including the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and UNESCO, to strengthen policy and expand access to digital learning tools.
One such collaboration is the “Zero-Rated Data and Devices” initiative, which seeks to reduce the cost of internet access and digital devices for learners and educators. “Lowering the cost of connectivity is essential to ensuring equity in digital education,” the official said.
These interventions align with the theme of the 2026 International Day of Education, titled “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education.” The theme underscored the importance of involving young people not just as beneficiaries, but as active contributors to education policy and curriculum design.
UNICEF stressed that empowering youth as agents of change is central to building inclusive, equitable and future-ready education systems. “When young people are meaningfully involved in shaping education, the result is a system that truly reflects their needs, aspirations and potential,” the global organisation said.
