Rotimi Idris
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and ICT Experts have highlighted the life-changing impact of digital education through the Nigeria Learning Passport, stressing that technology is breaking barriers, improving learning outcomes and exposing young people to global opportunities.
A Digital Learning Expert, Adebowale Oyedele described the digital revolution as the engine controlling the current contemporary world, noting that artificial intelligence has transformed learning speed, research, healthcare, manufacturing and global connectivity.
Oyedele added that digital tools are already making learning easier and more interactive for students even though Nigeria is still developing in its adoption of artificial intelligence.
He cited some challenges such as unstable electricity in the school, which affects the use of computers and access to the digital learning passport, appealing for support to provide standard systems and steady power for students to fully benefit from digital learning.
His words, “We are not learning in analog ways anymore. Digital Learning is helping to solve problems across sectors. It improves critical thinking, helps students learn faster through apps, and exposes them to global knowledge. Without AI, the world cannot move properly that is why we call it a global village.
“Artificial intelligence is a great asset, it is helping me and helping students program, learn faster and think deeper”.
Speaking with journalists, the Principal of Okun-Aja Community Secondary School, Eti Osa, Lagos State, Bridget Oyedele said the spread of digital education especially through tools like the Nigerian Learning Passport is ensuring that no child is left behind regardless of social background.
According to her, the Nigeria Learning Passport has opened the school to the world, especially through the Passport to Earn initiative, explaining that the school has seen an accelerated shift toward digitised learning, with students increasingly adapting to the new systems and exploring the platform’s interactive features.
She noted that many teachers never had such opportunities while growing up, but their students now enjoy a window to global knowledge through digital learning tools.
“Education is now a passport to the world. Digital gadgets and innovations have made it possible for any child, whether rich or poor, to access quality education. Platforms like the Nigerian Learning Passport open wide the corridor for exposure, allowing students to become global citizens.
“This is a testament to the power of technology. Students today can learn beyond the classroom and we are seeing the results in their confidence and performance.” she added
An ICT Teacher with strong AI competence, Segun Lawal, revealed that he often has to sacrifice his own time and even use his personal device to help students who lack the tools required to explore the Nigeria Learning Passport fully or complete internet-based assignments.
During a visit to the School, UNICEF Education Specialist, Babagana Aminu, commended the school for embracing the digital innovations made possible by the NLP.
Babagana expressed hope that such early adoption would significantly strengthen digital skills among students and enhance the school’s learning outcomes.
He was particularly interested in how NLP’s implementation was shaping classroom engagement and learning behaviour.
For some students like Divine Ikechukwu and Emmanuel Adeoye, digital learning has already become an essential academic companion.
Divine, an SS3 student of Okun-Aja Community Secondary School said digital tools have sharpened her vocabulary, writing skills and critical thinking abilities.
“AI has improved the way I think and interact with people. It has helped me academically and even in my daily life. Digital learning has really improved me.”
Emmanuel noted that AI has helped him gain clarity in difficult science subjects, saying “When I see something in physics or chemistry that confuses me, I just go online. AI explains it better and makes me understand. It has really extended my potential”.
Also, an SS1 student, Ali-Eze Moses, who hails from Ebonyi State, said he currently accesses the Learning Passport only once a week, using his mother’s phone, for about 30 minutes.
Despite the limited access, he explained that he is eager to increase his engagement so he can complete more courses and eventually earn his own digital passport.
