TECNO and UNICEF Join Forces to Enhance Education in Nigeria
Lagos – July 18, 2024. In a significant move to bolster educational opportunities for children in Nigeria, TECNO, a prominent technology brand, has announced a partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This collaboration aims to support the Nigeria Learning Passport, a digital learning platform designed to provide quality education to children across the nation.
The Challenge of Education in Nigeria
Education in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, with millions of children either out of school or not receiving adequate learning. The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with UNICEF, launched the Nigeria Learning Passport in 2022 to address these issues. This initiative is part of UNICEF’s global educational strategy, which began in 2018, aimed at ensuring that every child has access to quality education.
What is the Nigeria Learning Passport?
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a groundbreaking digital platform that offers curriculum-aligned educational materials in local languages. It allows children to access learning resources both online and offline, making education more accessible regardless of geographical location. The platform encompasses a wide range of educational content, from foundational learning to skills development, and also provides professional training for educators. This comprehensive approach ensures that children receive a well-rounded education, equipping them with the necessary skills for the future.
Expanding Reach and Impact
Since its inception, the Nigeria Learning Passport has made remarkable strides, expanding its reach to 19 states across the country. With approximately 888,000 registered users, it ranks second among all participating countries in the initiative. TECNO’s partnership with UNICEF is set to further enhance this program by focusing on content development, technical equipment procurement, and educator training. In 2024, UNICEF plans to extend the Learning Passport to include offline content for an additional 50,000 children in remote and low-income areas, thereby narrowing the educational gap and improving overall education quality.
Voices of Commitment
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are pleased to partner with TECNO to enhance the reach and impact of the Nigeria Learning Passport. This collaboration will allow us to provide more children, especially those in remote and underserved areas, with the quality education they deserve.” He emphasized the transformative power of digital learning in bridging educational gaps and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. He stated, “Investing in education is an effective strategy for breaking the inter-generational transmission of poverty and contributing to social and economic development.” Guo underscored the importance of empowering Africa’s youth, noting that their progress is crucial for the continent’s future.
Global Recognition of the Learning Passport
The Learning Passport program has gained international acclaim, expanding to 38 countries by the end of 2023, with over 6.02 million registered users and more than 13,000 courses available. Its impact has not gone unnoticed; in 2020, it was recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Projects by The Project Management Institute, and in 2021, TIME magazine named it one of the best 100 inventions of the year. This recognition underscores the program’s effectiveness and its potential to reshape educational landscapes globally.
About TECNO
TECNO, a subsidiary of Transsion Holdings, operates in over 70 countries and regions across five continents. The brand has been at the forefront of revolutionizing digital experiences in emerging markets, blending contemporary design with cutting-edge technology. TECNO’s commitment to innovation is evident in its diverse range of products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, and smart home devices. The brand’s ethos, “Stop At Nothing,” reflects its dedication to empowering individuals through technology.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is dedicated to reaching the world’s most disadvantaged children in some of the toughest environments. Operating in over 190 countries and territories, UNICEF advocates for every child’s right to a better future. The organization’s work encompasses various areas, including education, health, and protection, ensuring that children everywhere have the opportunity to thrive.
Through this partnership, TECNO and UNICEF are taking significant steps toward transforming education in Nigeria, ensuring that every child has access to the resources they need to succeed.