The Lagos State Ministry of Education says the state government will continue to foster essential partnerships to upscale implementation of its third pillar ‘Themes’ agenda, on ‘Education and Technology’.
Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, the State Commissioner for Education, said this in her keynote address at the formal launch of Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP).
It was done in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) in Ikeja on Wednesday.
“The present government is driven by Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s uncommon political will, he is passionate about huge investment and partnership which will enhance socio-economic growth as an intervention to bridge the knowledge gap,” she said.
The idea, according to her, is to bridge the gap and reach out, creating chance for every child in the state to do well.
“It will be a leading factor if we are able to ensure that our children are well educated, able to hold themselves globally and work anywhere,” Adefisayo said.
The Commissioner expressed delight over the initiative, thanking UNICEF for NLP.
She said that she was more particular about sustainability of the project.
According to her, the state is willing to take ownership of the project, as there is no better time to launch it than now’.
Earlier, Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of Lagos Office, UNICEF, and Generation Unlimited Nigeria Lead, said that Learning Passport is an effective tool that can be deployed to accelerate state education reform.
Lafoucriere said it was fundamental for young people to be equiped with skills and opportunities which would transform Nigeria.
“We need governments like Lagos State to take ownership whilst UNICEF commits to engaging young people on GenU 9JA to leverage innovation, widen models of cooperation and ensure private sector collaboration.
“With platforms such as Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), and public-private-youth partnership supporting young Nigerians, transition from learning to earning will be achieved, UNICEF is delighted to support the NLP,” she added.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Abayomi Abolaji commended UNICEF for complementing what the state had already started.
He said that out-of-school children could also learn.
Abolaji, however, appealed to school administrators, teachers and students to take advantage of the NLP initiative.
He said that learning should not be confined to the four walls of a school alone.
“We commend the sterling contributions of our frontline partner, UNICEF in ensuring that learning continues even when children are not within a school structure,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Learning Passport is a digital learning platform developed in partnership with UNICEF and Microsoft.
It is an education model designed to close learning poverty gap with a focus on equitable quality and flexible learning.
This which enables continuous access to education for children, youth and teachers across Nigeria.
NAN reports that a cross-section of selected students presented an enlightening dance-drama.
It was on the steps to register and participate in the digital platform for learning, outlining its core benefits.
