1,000 teachers targeted as UNICEF, Benue govt train Master Trainers on digital learning

By Johnson Arua

At least 1,000 teachers in Benue State are expected to benefit from a digital literacy and blended learning training programme being driven by UNICEF in partnership with the Benue State Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.

The initiative began with a four-day training of selected master trainers in Makurdi, who will in turn cascade the knowledge to teachers across the state’s 23 local government areas.

The Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP) Coordinator with UNICEF, Dr. Harold Kpojime, said the training focuses on equipping participants with practical skills in digital literacy, blended learning, generative artificial intelligence, and the configuration of NLP tablets.

“These participants are master trainers. After this session, they will step down the training to about 1,000 teachers across the state within the next few weeks,” Kpojime said.

He noted that the programme is part of efforts to modernise teaching methods and align Nigeria’s education system with global digital standards.

“Learning has evolved beyond the traditional classroom. With the right tools, teaching and learning can happen anywhere, and that is what we are trying to achieve,” he added.

Kpojime highlighted the growing impact of the Nigerian Learning Passport, revealing that the platform currently has over 2.3 million users nationwide, including 1.9 million learners, and offers more than 16,000 curriculum-based lessons.

He said Benue State has recorded about 45,000 users, with a fresh target of 25,000 additional enrollments and 15,000 course completions for the year.

On infrastructure support, he disclosed that over 660 tablets have been deployed to the state to facilitate digital learning in schools.

Kpojime further called for increased collaboration from stakeholders, particularly telecom providers, to improve access to the platform.
“Airtel has made the platform accessible without data charges, but we need more providers to come on board, especially in areas with poor network coverage,” he said.

In his remarks, UNICEF Desk Officer at the Benue State Ministry of Education, Dr. Emmanuel Ngulum, commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention in the state’s education sector.

“This programme is very impactful. It is not just for professional development; it will also improve participants’ personal capacity and how they support learning at home,” Ngulum said.

He expressed satisfaction with the level of engagement among participants, noting that many had already shown willingness to extend the training to teachers in their communities.

A master trainer from the College of Education, Katsina-Ala, Mr. Innocent Labeh, said the training had broadened his understanding of digital tools in education.

“There are things I have learned here that I didn’t know before, even as a computer science professional. These tools can greatly enhance teaching and learning,” he said.

Also speaking, another participant, Precious Terhemba, said the programme has equipped her with the skills needed to effectively use the Nigerian Learning Passport.

“We are now better prepared to train teachers and learners. The platform has packages for both, and we will ensure the knowledge is passed on,” she said.

The training forms part of UNICEF’s broader strategy to expand access to digital education across Nigeria, while strengthening teachers’ capacity to deliver quality learning using technology.