Access to Quality Education: Nigerian Learning Passport Launched in Osun
By Roseline Olawuni,
Osun has joined other states of the Federation to become the 21st state where the Nigerian Learning Passport has been launched to give access to quality education.
The Nigerian Learning Passport which aims to grant access to quality education for every Nigerian child especially out of school children will be supervised by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
The launch, a collaborative effort between the Teen Awareness Initiative (TTAI) and Osun State government was held at the Olagunsoye Auditorium, Osun State University in Osogbo.
The programme also aims to ensure support for children and youth in the continuity of learning and acquisition of skills for the future, while also seeing that they receive quality education.
In an address, Osun State Governor Sen. Ademola Adeleke said the launch of the Nigeria learning passport is a new solution designed to close the learning gap as it is an online and offline technology platform enabling high quality and flexible learning.
The governor who was represented by the State Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina said the platform will enable the continuous access to education for children, youth and teachers around the world.
According to him, “the passport project drives improved learning outcome through high quality, portable enlightenment to support their entry into their opportunity pathways including formal education.
“With this introduction, digital literacy is enhanced, interest connectivity in schools will be boosted thereby increasing the confidence level of the learners which will culminate in improved learning ability and encourage high intellectual performance for which Osun State is noted for.”
The Governor therefore commended the effort of UNICEF and TTAI for the initiative as the state has formulated strategic steps that are required for holistic education which is raising students who are problem solvers, self reliant, critical thinkers, social and scientific innovators and wealth creators.
In his own address, Osun State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole while reeling the achievements of the Adeleke administration in education sector thanked the Governor for providing a free platform to re-engineer and reconstruct education standard in Osun state.
Hon. Eluwole while commending UNICEF and TTAI for their collaboration with the State stressed that Osun is one of the best places to invest in education.
Also speaking, the UNICEF Education Specialist, Mr. Babagana Aminu said the Nigeria Learning passport is now accessible across Nigeria and Osun is the 21st state that the program will be launched.
Mr. Babagana while speaking said 75% of Nigeria students are unable to solve simple mathematical solutions hence the need for the Nigeria learning passport which provides the opportunity for students to read ahead of the class and allow teachers to use the content in class.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Murtala Jimoh described the project as another giant stride in Osun education sectoral development as Osun state is now opened and embraces development partners and donor agencies which is a paradigm shift from the hitherto self style approach of hostility to corporate assistance.
While appreciating UNICEF and TTAI for the lauadable collaboration, he said all education stakeholders present are to place Osun in her rightful position of leadership academics.