By Muhammad Amaan
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s Smart School Initiative, rolling out wide-ranging interventions aimed at closing the digital gap in education and improving learning outcomes nationwide by 2030.
In a briefing note from a UNICEF official, made available to newsmen, the organisation said it is supporting the initiative through infrastructure development, teacher training, and the deployment of innovative digital learning tools across schools.
The initiative is focused on ensuring that children and young people in both formal and non-formal education settings have equal access to quality education, particularly those in hard-to-reach and underserved communities.
UNICEF said the goal is to make technology-enabled learning inclusive and sustainable.
According to the brief, central to the programme is the provision of digital infrastructure and reliable connectivity in schools.
Through strategic partnerships with companies such as IHS and Airtel, UNICEF has been supporting the installation of internet facilities, routers, and alternative power solutions in selected schools across several states.
The note cited Enugu State, where solar-powered systems have been deployed to ensure uninterrupted access to digital learning tools. “Electricity remains a major barrier to digital education in many communities, and solar power offers a practical solution.”
It also noted that, beyond infrastructure, UNICEF is investing heavily in building the digital capacity of teachers by conducting extensive digital literacy and blended learning training programmes to help educators effectively integrate technology into classroom teaching.
At the UBEC Model Smart School, Adaka, Makurdi, in Benue State, the Principal, Mr Ogbaji Enyi, highlighted the crucial role played by UNICEF experts in the various training programmes attended by himself and teachers from the school.
According to him, the knowledge gained from the training has significantly strengthened teachers’ capacity and improved teaching effectiveness.
Records show that more than 250 teachers in Osun State and over 500 in Niger State have already benefited from these capacity-building efforts.
According to UNICEF, better-trained teachers are key to improving learning outcomes in technology-supported classrooms.
A flagship component of the Smart School support is the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), a free online platform that hosts more than 10,000 curriculum-aligned and interactive digital resources for learners.
“The Nigeria Learning Passport is designed to support learning anytime and anywhere. It is especially valuable for children in non-formal education centres who need flexible access to quality content,” a UNICEF official said.
UNICEF is also introducing innovative teaching support models through the establishment of “Learning Labs” in states such as Borno, Kaduna, and Lagos.
These labs provide in-school, needs-based mentoring for teachers, replacing traditional, one-size-fits-all training workshops.
The organisation noted that this hands-on approach allows teachers to receive continuous support tailored to their specific classroom needs, thereby improving teaching methods and learner engagement.
At the policy and partnership level, UNICEF is collaborating with institutions including the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), to strengthen Nigeria’s digital education framework.
One notable outcome of these collaborations is the “Zero-Rated Data and Devices” initiative, which seeks to reduce the cost of internet data and digital devices for schools, teachers, and learners. “Affordability is critical if digital education is to be truly inclusive,” the official added.
The Smart School Initiative aligns with the 2026 International Day of Education theme, “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,” which highlights the importance of young people’s active participation in shaping education systems and policies.
UNICEF emphasised that involving young people as partners in education reform is essential for building resilient and future-ready learning systems. “When youth are empowered to co-create education,” the organisation said, “they help drive innovation and safeguard the right to quality education for all.”
