AI comes to Nigerian classrooms as UNICEF, Airtel expand digital learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) is featuring in digital learning activities in Nigerian schools as UNICEF, Airtel Africa and the Federal Government intensify efforts to expand access to technology-driven education across the country.

Students and teachers demonstrated the use of digital learning tools, including AI, during visits by a joint delegation to Government Senior College, Agege, and St George’s U.N.A. Primary School in Lagos.

The visits formed part of efforts by the partners to assess progress in expanding access to free digital learning, strengthening teachers’ capacity and equipping young people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

Led by Garreth Spillane, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Airtel Africa, the delegation also visited Yaba College of Technology, where young people showcased digital skills acquired through Passport to Earning and the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA).

The platforms are designed to develop digital, employability and entrepreneurial skills while opening pathways to mentorship, internships and livelihood opportunities.

According to a joint statement issued by the partners, the initiative has connected nearly 2,000 schools across Nigeria, reaching approximately one million students and more than 20,000 teachers.

More than 19,000 teachers have received digital literacy training under the programme.

The partnership also seeks to reduce the cost of accessing educational resources through zero-rated access to selected digital learning platforms.

These include the Nigeria Learning Passport, the Federal Ministry of Education’s Inspire and Ignite platforms, the Digital National Education Management Information System and YOMA.

The Nigeria Learning Passport alone has more than 2.5 million registered students and nearly 100,000 registered teachers, according to the statement.

In Abuja, the delegation met with the Office of the Vice President and the Federal Ministry of Education to discuss priorities for improving digital education, including reliable connectivity, quality learning content, teacher training, inclusive design, stronger data systems, child online safety and sustainable financing.

UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Rownak Khan, said free digital learning could help bridge the digital divide and provide children and young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to shape their future.

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She said the partnership was supporting teachers and creating pathways from learning to earning, stressing that girls, children with disabilities and those in underserved communities must be among the first to benefit.

Spillane said connectivity could create transformative opportunities when students had access to quality digital learning and teachers were equipped to use digital tools effectively.

He reaffirmed Airtel Africa’s commitment to working with UNICEF and governments to connect schools, remove data-cost barriers and support teachers across the continent.

The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, said transforming education required strong partnerships aligned with government priorities and learners’ needs.

She emphasised the need to strengthen teachers’ capacity, expand access to quality digital content and protect children online to ensure digital learning reached every child, regardless of location.

The initiative is part of a five-year Airtel Africa–UNICEF partnership operating across 13 African countries. The partnership has connected more than 3,000 schools, provided zero-rated access to over 60 learning platforms and reached more than 2.5 million children across the continent.

The partners reaffirmed their commitment to expanding digital learning opportunities and improving educational outcomes through collaboration with governments and other stakeholders.